Katsina United FC have been thrown into mourning following the death of newly signed midfielder, Ozoh Chinedu, during a pre-season friendly against Niger Tornadoes FC on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
The tragic incident occurred at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina, where both teams were preparing for the upcoming football season.
Ozoh, who recently joined Katsina United from Kano Pillars FC, reportedly suffered a medical emergency during the match.
He was immediately attended to before being rushed to K-Dara Specialist Hospital for urgent medical attention. Despite efforts by medical personnel to save his life, the player sadly died.
Katsina United confirmed the development in a statement issued by its Media Directorate, describing the death as a major shock to the club, his teammates, coaching crew, management, supporters and the wider football community.
The club said Ozoh had only recently joined the team and was looking forward to contributing to its campaign in the new season.
His sudden death has also sent shockwaves through his former club, Kano Pillars, and the Nigerian football community, with tributes expected to follow as details of the tragedy emerge.
The circumstances surrounding the medical emergency and the exact cause of his death have not been established. The club said further information is expected from medical authorities and the player’s family.
Katsina United expressed condolences to Ozoh’s family, friends, teammates and all those who knew him, praying for strength for them to bear the loss.
The death has cast a pall over the club’s pre-season preparations, as the football community mourns a young player whose career was tragically cut short just as he began a new chapter with Katsina United.
“May God grant his family, teammates, friends, Katsina United FC and the entire football community the strength to bear this painful loss,” the club said.
