Katsina United defender Chinedu Ozor, who was earlier reported dead after collapsing during a pre-season friendly, has reportedly shown signs of movement at a mortuary and has been rushed back to the hospital, Sahara reporters reports.

The dramatic development was announced on Tuesday evening, hours after reports emerged that the newly signed Katsina United player had died following a medical emergency during a friendly match against Niger Tornadoes FC at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina.

According to grassroots sports journalist Prince CJ, Ozor reportedly showed signs of movement after he had been taken to the mortuary, prompting medical personnel to rush him back to the hospital.

In a video shared on his Facebook page on Tuesday evening, Prince CJ said the development had raised fresh hopes for the footballer's survival.

A separate update attributed to one of Ozor's former clubs, Heartland FC of Imo State, also stated that the player had been moved from the mortuary back to the hospital after reportedly showing signs of movement.

The update said Ozor was receiving oxygen while medical personnel worked to revive him.

Earlier, Katsina United had confirmed the player's death following what it described as a medical emergency during its pre-season friendly against Niger Tornadoes.

The club expressed condolences to Ozor's family, describing the incident as a tragedy.

“ We mourn the tragic passing of our newly signed player, Ozoh Chinedu, following a medical emergency during today’s friendly match against Niger Tornadoes FC,” the club said.

“Our thoughts, prayers, and strength are with his family and loved ones. Rest on Warrior.”

However, the club did not disclose the nature of the medical emergency or provide further details about the circumstances surrounding the reported death.

Rivers United also joined members of the Nigerian football community in mourning Ozor, saying he reportedly died in the early hours of Tuesday, August 11, after being rushed to hospital following the medical emergency during the friendly in Katsina.

The club extended its condolences to Ozor's family, loved ones and the management, players, staff and supporters of Katsina United.

The conflicting reports have since generated uncertainty over the player's condition, with the latest reports suggesting that he may still be alive and receiving medical attention.

Ozor recently joined Katsina United as the club strengthened its squad ahead of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season.

Football records show that he previously represented Heartland FC and Kano Pillars. Transfer records indicate that he moved from Heartland to Kano Pillars in July 2025 before subsequently joining Katsina United.

He featured for Kano Pillars during the 2025/26 NPFL season, including a league fixture against Niger Tornadoes in March.