Rangers Confirm Death of Nigerian Footballer
The management of former Nigeria league champions, Rangers International F.C of Enugu, under the leadership of Prince Davidson Owumi, has confirmed the death of the club’s attacking sensation, Ifeanyi George Onwubiko.
Onwubiko’s sad event took place, Sunday, March 22, 2020, in a fatal auto-accident along the Asaba-Benin expressway.
The club’s statement signed by Norbert Okolie, its Media/Communications Officer, said Ifeanyi was traveling in his Infinity M35 saloon car to Lagos to be with his family and had two passengers, Emmanuel Ogbu, a player of the club’ feeder team and Eteka Gabriel, a friend when he ran into an articulated stationary vehicle by Owa village near Abudu, Orhionmwon L.G.A of Edo State.
“The management after getting information of the accident made efforts and sent a delegation to the spot of the accident while also making efforts to reach out to the families of the late footballers,” the statement added.
“With the confirmation of the bodies of the footballers that died from a result of multiple open fractures on the neck, arms, leg and a crushed face by the delegation led by Barrister Amobi Ezeaku, team manager of the side and Dr. Wen Udeoji, team doctor, the players’ remains were deposited at a private morgue in Abudu.
“Already, families of the late footballers have been contacted and fruitful discussions are on between management and family members for a befitting burial for the late footballers.”
The GM/CEO, Prince Davidson Owumi, described the death of Ifeanyi George as a great loss to the club and the Nigerian football community stressing that the club was still to overcome the shock of the sad event.
“I must say that this was a great loss to the Rangers family. We are in shock over this very sad event which is like a dream. Here was a player that we were looking up to contribute his best as we aim to end the season on a high. Surely, we are in pains on the death of Ifeanyi George and Emmanuel Ogbu,” stated the former NPL boss.
“Management appreciates efforts made by men of Nigeria Police and FRSC in Abudu for their actions during the sad incident just as the deluge of condolence messages and support from the NFF, LMC, NPFL clubs and other stakeholders,” the statement added.
“Management also appeals to all to respect the privacy of the late footballers and their families in this hour of grief with regards to the use of images and videos from the scene of the accident.”