NFF, LMC, Pillars, Enyimba, Rangers, others mourn Udoji

The management of Kano Pillars FC on Monday has expressed shock at the untimely death of their defender, Chinedu Udoji, who died in a fatal auto crash in Kano on Sunday night.

Udoji, it will be recalled, was adjudged Man of the Match when Pillars held visiting Enyimba to a 1-1 draw in a Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) match day nine game at the Kano Pillars Stadium, a few hours before his death.

Media Officer of Kano Pillars, Idris Malikwa, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Kano that the defence ace was involved in a car accident along Bompai area after visiting his former teammates at Enyimba FC in a hotel after the match.

According to the chairman, technical committee of Kano Pillars, Alhaji Faruk Haladu, the death of Udoji was a great loss to the football family.

Haladu said the management, technical crew, players, fans of Kano Pillars and the entire football family in Kano State are in shock following the unfortunate incident.

“Udoji was alone in his car with registration number KSF 499 BF when the accident happened.

“His body has been deposited at the Murtala Muhammad Specialists Hospital, Kano and the incident had been reported at the Bompai Police Division.

“The club officials are processing all necessary documentation before taking his corpse to his family for burial rites,” the statement from the four-time Nigerian league champions said.

Meanwhile, tributes have been pouring in for the late former Enyimba captain.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) through its twitter handle @thenff read, “The demise of @pillarsfc defender Chinedu Udoji comes as a rude shock to us this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and club. May his soul rest in peace. #RIPUdoji.”

Also, his former club, Enyimba through @EnyimbaFC said, “We are distraught at the news of the passing of club legend and former captain, Chinedu Udoji. Our commiserations are with his family at this time. #RIPUdoji #AnElephantSleeps #CaptainLeaderLegend.”

Also, the League Management Company (LMC) release on their twitter @LMCNPFL read “GONE TOO, We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of one of NPFL’s finest defenders. Our thoughts and prayers are with Chinedu Udoji’s family, Kano Pillars & #NPFL clubs #RIPUDOJI.”

Also, Enugu Rangers through @RangersIntFC said, “The management of Rangers sympathise with @pillarsfc & F family Of Chinedu Udoji on the death of the player in a tragic car crash.”

Meanwhile, former international, Mutiu Adepoju in his tribute to the late defender through @MutiuAdepoju8 said, “My fingers shiver as I type my tweet… Rest on Chinedu Udoji, may God grant you eternal rest.”