Abdullahi Biffo, assistant coach of Nigeria's U-20 men's national team the Flying Eagles, has written a heartfelt tribute to Chinedu Ozor, the Katsina United defender who collapsed and died on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, during a preseason friendly against Niger Tornadoes.

The tragedy unfolded exactly 37 years after the legendary Sam Okwaraji collapsed and died at the National Stadium, Lagos, on 12 August 1989, during a 1990 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Angola.

Biffo's tribute to a versatile warrior

Biffo worked closely with Ozor during his time as head coach of Abia Warriors across the 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 seasons. In his tribute, he recalled the defender's remarkable flexibility and dedication.