Kano Pillars defender, 28-year-old Chinedu Udoji, has died in a car crash on Sunday after a domestic league game against his former club Enyimba.
The club announced his death on Twitter saying the accident occurred in the state capital of Kano State in North West Nigeria after visiting his former teammates.
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.
— Kano Pillars FC (@pillarsfc) February 19, 2018
This was a few hours after the club game which ended 1-1 at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano earning him the Most Valuable Player (MVP) title after the game.
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Udoji’s death is only nine days after Ghanaian rising music star Ebony Reigns died in a similar accident with two others in the Eastern Region of Ghana. A star-studded one week anniversary of her death was marked in Ghana’s capital Accra on Sunday.
Chinedu Udoji joined Kano Pillars in 2016 after seven seasons with Enyimba where he won two league titles, two FA Cups and reached the semi-final of the 2011 African Champions League as their captain. He is survived by a wife and two children.
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.#RIPUdoji #AnElephantSleeps #CaptainLeaderLegend pic.twitter.com/RdCiNR7eIK
— Enyimba FC (@EnyimbaFC) February 19, 2018
Here are tributes to the domestic football star.
RIP – Rise If Possible, bro. Too young. Young family. Star player, didn’t even get to rest after a match against his former club where he was voted MVP. What a life.#RIPChineduUdoji
— Kene (@TheKene1) February 19, 2018
My good friend edu Brazil is gone I still remember meeting you in jos after the game between eyimba Vs juth. That was my first contact with you very very sad news
— Emeka (@emeka427427) February 19, 2018
Rest in peace Chinedu Udoji. With respect from South Africa. A sad day for the whole continent
— Ignat Football (@IgnatFootball) February 19, 2018
Never knew yesterday was his last day.He was full of life and he played very well in yesterday’s game against enyimba. Kano is mourning.
— Tijjani Ali (@Tijjani35_) February 19, 2018
This is sad news to Nigeria football family as whole!! My condolence go to Udoji family, Kano Pillars FC & NFF. May his soul rest in peace
— ayoola loye (@ayoolaloye) February 19, 2018
Sad News! RIP Chinedu Udoji.
Although, nothing replaces the loss of someone, hope @thenff will do something to ease the grief of his family.— Emmanuel Chidiogo (@Empexy) February 19, 2018
So sad, another needless death. Major fundamental problem with excessive speeds on our roads. Accidents can happens (on bad roads, etc) but fatality rate Nigeria is just to high. 9th highest death per 100k population and 5th highest in absolute numbers in the world – ludicrous
— alldatjas (@alldatjas) February 19, 2018
Words still can’t express how distraught we are. The Melancholy is just too intense to bear. ? Condolences @pillarsfc #RIPUdoji
— Jarex2 (@jarex2_official) February 19, 2018
I was a big fan of this great talent and a legend of your club. He deserves be your Page Display Picture for this week at the least.
My thoughts are with his family, team mates and club officials at this moment of monumental grief. #RIPUdoji
— Odion Aleobua (@odionmatics) February 19, 2018
So sad to hear this. FROM all @RangersIntFC supporters. We send our Condolences to @EnyimbaFC And the family of the deceased
— Ralphy (@amaraedec) February 19, 2018
Omigosh! I just logged in to confirm this. I still find it hard to believe that Nedu is gone. Omigosh! Omigosh! May your beautiful soul find rest.
— MichElle (@elle_naire) February 19, 2018
Chinedu Udoji was Indeed a leader and club legend. such a sad news this morning
— Ugo Nwaogwugwu (@ugoAranka) February 19, 2018