Katsina United’s new signing, Chinedu Ozor, who slumped and was erroneously proclaimed dead on Tuesday, has finally given up the ghost after a day in the intensive care unit of the Katsina General Hospital, the club has announced.
  
But in announcing the demise of the player, the Katsina-based club denied reports that the former Kano Pillars star ever came back to life after being proclaimed dead.
 
According to reports on Tuesday, Ozor, who joined Katsina United ahead of the forthcoming 2026/27 Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL), slumped and was rushed to the K-Dara Specialist Hospital for medical attention during a pre-season friendly against Niger Tornadoes at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina.
 
At the hospital, he was allegedly pronounced dead and taken to the mortuary, while efforts were being made to contact his family members.
 
However, while at the mortuary, one of the attendants noticed that his hands were moving and raised the alarm, which attracted the attention of medical personnel.
 
He was subsequently moved to Katsina General Hospital, where he was placed on oxygen.
 
Announcing the demise of the player yesterday, the management of the club said: “It is with deep sadness that we clarify the reports surrounding the passing of Katsina United player Chinedu Ozo, who reportedly collapsed during a friendly match against Niger Tornadoes at Muhammad Dikko Stadium, Katsina.
 
“Ozor passed away following the incident. Reports claiming that he later regained consciousness or “came back to life” are false and should be disregarded.
 
“Following the news of his death, his family, understandably shocked and hoping against hope, requested that further medical confirmation be made before his body was taken to the morgue. This should not be interpreted as him being alive or regaining consciousness.
 
“We urge the public, especially media platforms and bloggers, to stop circulating the false report and allow the family, teammates and football community to mourn Chinedu Ozo with dignity.”
 
The club said that efforts were being made to get the necessary permission, including police and autopsy reports, for the players’ burial.