Hope has returned for Katsina United defender Chinedu Ozor after the footballer, who was earlier reported dead, was reportedly taken back to hospital after showing signs of movement at a mortuary. Ozor collapsed during a pre-season friendly between Katsina United and Niger Tornadoes at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina on Tuesday.
The newly signed defender was rushed to hospital following the incident but was later reported to have died, prompting an outpouring of grief from his club and the wider Nigerian football community. However, hours later, reports emerged that Ozor had shown signs of movement while at the mortuary.
Grassroots sports journalist Prince CJ reported the development in a video shared on Facebook, saying Ozor’s hand reportedly moved while he was at the facility. He said those around him immediately rushed him back to hospital, raising fresh hopes that the footballer could survive.
Ozor’s former club, Heartland FC, also confirmed the development in an update, stating that the defender had been taken from the mortuary to hospital after reportedly showing signs of movement. According to the club, Ozor was placed on oxygen as medical personnel worked to revive him.
“Reliable sources say Chinedu Ozor has been moved from the mortuary to the hospital after reportedly showing signs of movement. He is currently on oxygen as medics work to revive him,” Heartland said.
The club urged fans and members of the football community to pray for the defender’s recovery. The development came only hours after Katsina United announced Ozor’s death. The club had described the incident as tragic, offering condolences to his family and loved ones.
“We mourn the tragic passing of our newly signed player, Ozoh Chinedu, following a medical emergency during today’s friendly match against Niger Tornadoes FC,” the club said. Our thoughts, prayers, and strength are with his family and loved ones. Rest on Warrior.”
Katsina United did not disclose the nature of the medical emergency or provide further details about the circumstances surrounding Ozor’s condition after he collapsed during the match.
Rivers United also joined other clubs in mourning the defender. In a statement signed by its General Manager, Okey Kpalukwu, the club expressed condolences to Ozor’s family and the Katsina United community, saying its thoughts and prayers were with the Nigerian football family.
Ozor recently joined Katsina United as the club strengthened its squad ahead of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season. He previously played for Heartland and Kano Pillars. Transfer records indicate that he moved from Heartland to Kano Pillars in July 2025 before joining Katsina United.
He featured for Kano Pillars during the 2025/26 NPFL season, including a league match against Niger Tornadoes in March. As of Tuesday night, however, there was no detailed official medical statement confirming Ozor’s current condition. The conflicting reports have left fans, teammates, and members of the Nigerian football community anxiously awaiting an official update on the defender’s health.
