BY SAB OSUJI

Former Super Eagles forward, Benedict Akwuegbu, was full of tears Saturday evening when spoke with Exclusivenews.com.ng from his base in London over the sudden death of Christian Obi, in an auto crash Friday at Umuna Okigwe, Imo State.

Late Obi was traveling with the Naze Millionaires to Abakaliki, where they were to participate in this year's edition of the annual Ifeanyi Ekwueme Tico/Select Pre-Season Tournament.

Obi, 57, has led Heartland crew for two seasons now.

Akwuegbu, who recently graduated with First Class at Angelia Ruskin University, London, was full of emotion during the conversation, describing the Late former Nigeria junior International goalkeeper and Olympian as 'hardworking, humble and honest'.

"It's difficult to control myself when I got the news of Christian Obi's tragic death", starts 'Austria Bomber'.

"It's so painful, sad and a kind of tiny bone in the throat that's always difficult to swallow or regurgitate.

"I didn't work directly with him, but from close distance, I see him as a hardworking young man, honest, respectful and humble. It's sad the football community will miss this amiable gentleman".

Akwuegbu would pray for the repose of Obi's soul and prayed for God's fortitude for the family and football fans and stakeholders to bear the irreparable loss.

"It's painful that Obi is gone but I believe God will receive his kind and gentle soul in His paradise.

"Also, I pray God to give the family he left behind while serving his state and country the fortitude to bear his demise. Yes, a deep vacuum has been created both in the family and the football industry, but I pray God in His infinite mercy to fill such vacuum.

"But is it not ironic the spate of deaths that have visited the football industry in recent times?

"First was Hon Ekene Adams, former Proprietor of Kada FC, Kaduna who later won election into the House of Representatives, Nigeria's second highest law making body.

"Before tears over his demise could dry, then came another blow following the death of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, former Proprietor of Iwuanyanwu Nationale FC (now Heartland FC), Owerri.

"Even before one could say Jlack, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, former Proprietor of FC Ifeanyi Ubah and ex Anambra FA Chairman also joined the Great beyond. 

"It's,a case of one death too many and I pray God to grant their souls eternal rest while ushering in an era of happiness and joy through title wins in all facets our our sports, football in particular", Akwuegbu summed up.