The remains of late Nigeria goalkeeper and former Heartland of Owerri goalkeeper, Christian Obi, will be laid to rest on 25 October 2024, Completesports.com reports.
Obi died in a tragic auto crash on 23 August 2024, when the club’s bus hit a parked vehicle at Okwelle, Onuimo LGA, Imo State. Heartland were en route to Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, for Season Six of the Annual Ifeanyi Ekwueme Tico/SELECT Pre-Season Football Tournament.
On Wednesday, 2 October 2024, Emmanuel Amuneke, Technical Manager of Heartland FC, led a strong delegation of the five-time Nigeria champions and 2009 CAF Champions League runners-up to the family of the late Christian Obi at their Irette, near Owerri residence.
Also Read – Exclusive: Amuneke On Heartland Winless Run – ‘No Easy Road To Success’
The delegation comprised management personnel, technical staff, and players of the Naze Millionaires. The Heartland hierarchy expressed sadness over the untimely demise of Obi, whom they described as “hardworking” and one who “gave his all to the team even at its most critical moments.”
A few hours after the Heartland delegation departed, Imo State First Lady and wife of the Executive Governor of the State, Barr. Mrs. Chioma Uzodinma, arrived at the residence of the late Christian Obi in Irette on a similar condolence visit.
Mrs. Uzodinma penned an emotional message in the condolence register.
The First Lady consoled the family, prayed for them, and asked God to be their strength.
“Rest in peace, dear Coach. You lived and you loved. May the Almighty God comfort and console your family until we meet to part no more. Ije oma,” the Imo State’s First Lady wrote.
By Sab Osuji
