In the wake of a tragic accident that has claimed the life of Coach Christian Obi of Heartland Football Club and left several others injured, Dominic Iorfa, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lobi Stars Football Club, has issued a heartfelt message of condolence to the management, staff, and players of Heartland FC.
The accident, which took place near Umunna in Imo State, occurred while the Heartland FC team was traveling to Abakaliki for the Ifeanyi Ekwueme TICO/SELECT pre-season tournament. The sudden and devastating loss has left a deep void in the football community.
In his message, Mr. Iorfa described the incident as a profound tragedy not only for Heartland FC but for the entire Nigerian football landscape. He expressed that Coach Obi's death is a significant loss, highlighting his notable career as a tactician and mentor. Coach Obi was renowned for his dedication to nurturing and developing football talent, and his contributions to the sport were deeply respected.
Reflecting on the past, Iorfa recalled their shared history from the 1980s, when he and Coach Obi played together on the national team. At that time, Iorfa represented BCC Lions of Gboko, while Obi was with Julius Berger FC in Lagos. Their camaraderie began in the lower divisions of Nigerian football, where both displayed exceptional talent and determination, eventually ascending to the heights of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
Their relationship was marked by friendly exchanges and mutual respect. Iorfa fondly remembered moments of light-hearted banter on the pitch, where Obi, ever the spirited goalkeeper, would jokingly challenge Iorfa not to score, to which Iorfa would respond with a smile and a resolute play. These memories underscore the deep bond they shared, both on and off the field.
The news of Coach Obi's passing is a deep personal loss for Iorfa, who described the grief as a profound wound that touches the core of his being. The shared memories and experiences from their footballing days are a poignant reminder of their friendship and the impact Coach Obi had on those around him.
In his message, Mr. Iorfa extended his condolences to Coach Obi’s family, friends, and supporters, encouraging them to find solace in their faith during this challenging period. He also offered prayers for the recovery of those injured in the accident and asked for divine comfort for Coach Obi's soul.
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