The parents of Katsina United defender Ozor Chinedu, who was pronounced dead after collapsing during a football match, have requested that his body be kept in the Intensive Care Unit for 24 hours for further confirmation.
The spokesperson for the Katsina State Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Nasir Gide, disclosed this in Katsina on Wednesday.
Gide said Chinedu collapsed during the match before his death was subsequently announced by relevant authorities.
According to him, the player’s body was initially deposited at a mortuary following the announcement, pending further arrangements.
He said Chinedu’s parents later requested that the body be transferred from the mortuary to the ICU and kept there for 24 hours.
Gide explained that the request was intended to allow medical personnel and the family to further establish the player’s condition before any burial arrangements were made.
He said the ministry was respecting the family’s wishes and was liaising with relevant authorities as medical procedures continued.
Gide added that the circumstances surrounding Chinedu’s collapse and the subsequent declaration of his death would be clarified after the necessary medical processes.
The development has generated concern among Katsina United officials, teammates, coaches and supporters.
Gide described the incident as unfortunate and sympathised with Chinedu’s family and the wider football community.
(The Whistler)