KATSINA, Nigeria — Katsina United Football Club has officially debunked reports circulating that their player, Chinedu Ozor, has regained consciousness after being declared dead and taken to a mortuary.

Ozor, a recent addition to the Katsina-based team, collapsed during a pre-season friendly against Niger Tornadoes FC at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium on Tuesday. Following a medical emergency during the game, he was pronounced dead, and the club subsequently issued a statement mourning his passing.

However, a new narrative emerged on Tuesday evening when grassroots sports journalist Prince CJ reported that Ozor had shown signs of movement at the mortuary. The journalist further stated that the player was then rushed back to the hospital for medical attention, where he was reportedly receiving oxygen.

In a public statement, the club's media team firmly clarified that the revival reports are false and should be disregarded.

"Chinedu Ozor passed away following the incident. Claims suggesting that he later regained consciousness or 'came back to life' are inaccurate and should be dismissed," the statement read.

The club explained that Ozor's family, in their grief and hope, had requested further medical verification before his body was moved to the morgue. Katsina United emphasized that this request should not be misinterpreted as a sign of the player being alive or regaining consciousness.

The club urged the public, including media outlets and bloggers, to stop spreading the unsubstantiated report. They requested that the family, teammates, and the wider football community be allowed to mourn Chinedu Ozor with the dignity he deserves.