The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), has described the death of coach of Heartland Football Club, Christian Obi as sudden and tragic.
Ikemefuna Asika, Vice President of SWAN South-East zone said this in a condolence message issued on behalf of the five state chapters on Saturday.
According to Asika, Obi’s death remains a huge loss to the football community in particular and sporting world in general as the deceased still had a lot to contribute to the growth and development of the round leather game.
He said, “Obi, an Olympian, was a successful goalie, a consummate coach and cerebral personality who led his life in service of others.”
He, however, extended its heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Imo State .
“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 when Heartland FC just received a new lease of life and is ready to begin anew in their continued quest for glory in the NPFL.
“On behalf of five state chapters of SWAN in the Southeast, I wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Christian Obi, Staff and management of Heartland FC, the good people of Imo state and Gov. Hope Uzodimma on this irreparable loss.
“We pray that God will grant Obi’s soul eternal rest and give the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the loss just as we pray that such does not befall us again,” he said
Recall that the late coach died on Friday in a vehicular road accident in Okigwe while leading his team to Abakaliki, Ebonyi state for a preseason tournament. Ends
READ ALSO FROM SPORTING TRIBUNEÂ
Heartland FC coach Christian Obi dies in auto crash
NFF, Enyimba, others mourn Heartland coach, Obi
