Katsina United defender Chinedu Ozor, who was earlier reported dead after collapsing during a pre-season friendly, has reportedly shown signs of life while at a mortuary and has been taken back to the hospital.
The unexpected development was reported on Tuesday evening, hours after the newly signed Katsina United player was said to have died following a medical emergency during a friendly against Niger Tornadoes at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina.
Grassroots sports journalist, Prince CJ, reported that Ozor reportedly showed movement after he had been taken to the mortuary, prompting those around him to rush him back to the hospital.
In a video posted on Facebook on Tuesday evening, the journalist said the development had raised fresh hope for the footballer.
“Good news, I have gotten a very quick information now that Chinedu Ozor, the Katsina United player that collapsed during the friendly fixture against Niger Tornadoes at Mohammadu Dikko Stadium, his hand shook at the mortuary and they have rushed him back to the hospital, so there is a hope for him to survive,” he said.
A separate update attributed to one of Ozor’s former clubs, Heartland of Imo, also claimed that the player had been transferred from the mortuary back to the hospital after reportedly showing signs of movement.
According to the update, Ozor was receiving oxygen while medical personnel attempted 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,” the update stated.
The former club also called for prayers for the player, expressing hope that he would recover.
“Ozor, we believe in the God of a second chance. May God restore your life and grant you complete recovery,” it added.
The development came after Katsina United had earlier announced Ozor’s death following the medical emergency during Tuesday’s pre-season fixture against Niger Tornadoes.
The club described the incident as a tragedy and extended its condolences to the player’s family, friends and other 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,” Katsina United said.
“Our thoughts, prayers, and strength are with his family and loved ones. Rest on Warrior,” the club added.
The club did not disclose the nature of the medical emergency or provide details about the circumstances surrounding the initial report of Ozor’s death.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no independent medical confirmation of the player’s condition following the reported movement at the mortuary.
The latest reports, however, have sparked renewed hope among Ozor’s teammates, former clubs, supporters and other members of the football community that he may survive the medical crisis.
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