The South-East Caucus of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has conveyed its condolences to the Government and people of Imo over the death of Coach Christian Obi of Heartland FC of Owerri.
The group’s message was issued by the zonal Vice President, Ikemefuna Asika, on behalf of the five chapters in the zone and made available to newsmen in Awka on Sunday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Obi died in an auto crash at Onuimo, near Okigwe in Imo, on Friday, while leading his team to Abakaliki, Ebonyi, for a preseason tournament.
Asika, who described Obi’s death as tragic, stated that it was a huge loss to the football community, in particular, and sporting world, in general.
According to him, the deceased still had a lot to contribute to the growth and development of the round leather game.
He further stated that Obi, an Olympian, was a successful goalkeeper, a consummate coach and cerebral personality, who lived his life in service of others.
Asika stated: “It is with a heavy heart that we received the sad news of the death of Coach Obi.
“His death is quite unfortunate, coming at a time Heartland FC just received a new lease of life and ready to begin anew in its stoic quest for glory in the Nigeria Premier Football League.
“On behalf of the five state chapters of SWAN in the South-East, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, staff and management of Heartland FC, the people of Imo and Gov. Hope Uzodimma, over this irreparable loss.
“We also pray that God grants his soul eternal rest and give those he left behind the fortitude to bear the loss.
“We pray that such a misfortune does not befall us again,” the statement further read. (NAN).
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