JUST IN: KATSINA UTD PLAYER OZOR REPORTED DEAD SHOWS SIGNS OF MOVEMENT AT MORTUARY, RUSHED BACK TO HOSPITAL

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Agency report

Chinedu Ozor, the Katsina United defender who was earlier reported dead after collapsing during a pre-season friendly, has reportedly shown signs of movement at the mortuary and has been rushed back to the hospital, raising fresh hopes for his recovery.

The development was announced on Tuesday evening, hours after reports emerged that the newly signed Katsina United player had died following a medical emergency during a friendly match against Niger Tornadoes FC at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina.

According to grassroots sports journalist Prince CJ, Ozor reportedly showed signs of movement after he had been taken to the mortuary, prompting his transfer back to the hospital.

In a video shared on his Facebook page on Tuesday evening, Prince CJ said the development had raised hopes of the footballer’s survival.

“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 shared by one of his former clubs, Heartland of Imo, also reported that Ozor had been moved from the mortuary back to the hospital after reportedly showing signs of movement.

“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 said.

The club added a prayer for the player, saying: “Ozor, we believe in the God of a second chance. May God restore your life and grant you complete recovery.”

Earlier, Katsina United had confirmed that Ozor had died after suffering a medical emergency during its pre-season friendly against Niger Tornadoes on Tuesday.

The club described the incident as tragic and expressed 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.

It added: “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 the player’s reported death.

Rivers United also joined members of the Nigerian football community in mourning Ozor.

The club said the player reportedly died in the early hours of Tuesday, August 11, after being rushed to hospital following the medical emergency during the friendly in Katsina.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, and to the management, players, staff, and supporters of Katsina United FC,” Rivers United said in a statement signed by its General Manager, Okey Kpalukwu.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Nigerian football family during this difficult time.”

Ozor had recently joined Katsina United as the club strengthened its squad ahead of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season.

Available football records indicate that he previously represented Heartland FC and Kano Pillars.

Transfer records show that Ozor moved from Heartland to Kano Pillars in July 2025 before subsequently joining Katsina United.

He featured for Kano Pillars during the 2025/26 NPFL season, including a March league fixture against Niger Tornadoes.