By Akeem Lawal
NIGERIA Football Federation (NFF), League Management
Company (LMC) and top Nigerian clubs including Enyimba, Plateau United, Sunshine
Stars, Kwara United, Enugu Rangers, Katsina United, Nasarawa United, Rivers
United, Lobi Stars, ABS FC, Shooting Stars SC have expressed shock following the
death of Kano Pillars defender Chinedu Udoji in a car crash on Sunday.
Sportsbiz247.blogspot.com reports that Udoji, who played
for Pillars in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Enyimba, was involved in an accident
on his way back after visiting his former employers.
The 28-year-old joined Kano Pillars in 2016 after seven
successful seasons with two-time African champions Enyimba.
He won two league titles, two FA Cups and reached the
semi-final of the 2011 African Champions League with the Aba-based club.
The 28-year-old joined Kano Pillars in 2016 after seven
successful seasons with two-time African champions Enyimba.
He won two league titles, two FA Cups and reached the
semi-final of the 2011 African Champions League with the Aba-based club.
Udoji is survived by his wife and two children.
Kano Pillars announced Udoji's death on the club's
official Twitter account @pillarsfc with pictures from the scene of the accident.
”Chinedu Udoji was involved in a car accident yesterday
after visiting his former team mates at Enyimba. This tragic accident happened
along Club Road in Kano. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends, fans,
and football lovers all across the country.”
While describing Udoji’s demise as rude shock, NFF via @thenff,
prayed for the departed soul of the 28 year old to rest in peace. “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.”
LMC wrote via @LMCNPFL, “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.”
Enyimba also took to Twitter to mourn their former player
and described him as a great captain, leader and legend.
“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,” the People's Elephants said via @EnyimbaFC.
The president of Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA), the
holding body of Sunshine Stars FC, Tajudeen Akinyemi who recalled watching
Udoji holding Pillars back line against the Owena Waves in Akure recently,
prayed God grant his Club, family, friends and fans the strength to overcome
the painful loss.
A statement signed by the media officer of Kwara United
FC, Abdul Waheed Bibire on behalf of the club president Oladimeji Ladi Thompson
described the death of Udoji as big loss and a vacuum which will be difficult
to fill.
Udoji, according to the statement will long be remembered
for his commitment, dedication, discipline, on and off the pitch especially his
good leadership qualities.
Lobi Stars FC wrote via @LobiStars, “We share this
difficult time with @pillarsfc and the family of Chinedu Udoji following his
tragic demise.”
Malam Farouk Yarma, Executive Chairman of FC Yarmalight,
a privately owned domestic football division team in Gombe State, described Udoji’s
death as a loss to Nigeria domestic football as he was an experience defender,
fantastic captain, role model to the younger players and indeed a true legend
of the NPFL.
"In the little time he spent, he left a mark as he
also did achieve a lot. I recall the picture of him lifting the NPFL title
three years ago with Enyimba which was their 7th. He'll surely be missed by his
fans.
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