Katsina United has dismissed claims that their player, Chinedu Ozor, has returned to life after being declared dead and taken to a mortuary.
Ozor, who recently became a member of the Katsina-based club, collapsed during a pre-season friendly match against Niger Tornadoes FC at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina on Tuesday.
He was declared dead after experiencing a medical emergency during the game, which led Katsina United to announce his passing and express their condolences.
However, a new development surfaced on Tuesday evening when grassroots sports journalist Prince CJ reported that Ozor displayed signs of movement while at the mortuary.
According to the journalist, the player was then swiftly transported back to the hospital, where he is currently receiving oxygen as medical staff attempt to revive him.
In a public statement, the club’s media team clarified that the report regarding his revival was untrue and should be ignored.
“Chinedu Ozor passed away following the incident. Claims suggesting that he later regained consciousness or ‘came back to life’ are inaccurate and should be dismissed.
“In the wake of his death announcement, his family, understandably in shock and holding onto hope, requested further medical verification before his body was taken to the morgue. This should not be misconstrued as an indication of him being alive or regaining consciousness.
“We implore the public, particularly media outlets and bloggers, to cease the dissemination of this false report and allow the family, teammates, and the football community to mourn Chinedu Ozor with the respect he deserves. May his soul rest in peace.”
Chinedu Ozor: Katsina United clarifies reports of player coming back to life in mortuary