South- East SWAN mourn Obi, commiserate with Uzodimma

From Everest Ezihe, Owerri

Pained by Heartland FC, Owerri involvement in a fatal accident last Friday as they were on their way to Abakaliki, Ebonyi state to participate in this year’s TICO/SELECT Ifeanyi Ekwueme pre-season tournament, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), South-East caucus has extended its heartfelt condolences to the government and good people of Imo State over the death of Christian Obi, Coach of the State darling football club.

Mr.Ikemefuna Asika, Vice President of SWAN South-East Zone said this in a condolence message issued on behalf of the five chapters in the caucus on Saturday.

Coach Christian Azubike Obi died on Friday in a ghastly road accident in Umuna Okigwe while leading his team to Abakaliki, Ebonyi State for a pre-season tournament.

Asika who described Obi’s death as sudden and tragic said it was a huge loss to the football community in particular and sports world in general as the deceased still had a lot to contribute to the growth and development of football in the country

He described the deceased as an Olympian, a successful goalie, a consummate coach and cerebral personality who led his life in service of others and the sports he cherished most.

According to the Vice President, it is with a heavy heart that we received the sad news of the death of Coach Christian 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 South -East, 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