Football community in Nigeria has been thrown into mourning mood following the shocking news of former ABS FC midfielder, Ibrahim Odiba who slumped and died on Saturday in Lokoja.

Odiba was reported to have slumped and gave up few minutes into joining the Kogi All Stars’ training at the Confluence Stadium.

The Kogi born Odiba who played for notable clubs in Nigerian leagues including ABS FC and Kaduna United did not show any sign of ailments.

One of the members of Confluence All Stars, Tomiwa Lawal told OnwardNews24 that Odiba was a lively and friendly member who has always shown optimum professionalism all through.

He said Odiba will be greatly missed just as he prayed God to bless his soul and grant his immediate family fortitude to bear his demise.

“We are sadden and shocked with the death of one of us, Ibrahim Odiba who slumped this morning at Confluence Stadium, Lokoja today during training.

“There was no touch, no contact from anybody, he slumped to his face after about five minutes of entering in the second half our training this morning.

“We were able to bring him back to life and he was back to life and he even asked what happened.

“He was driven to the hospital to continue treatment but unfortunately he couldn’t make it.

“We will miss him so dearly, he was a very nice and humble man, very professional and committed member of the All Stars family.

“May his soul continue to rest in perfect peace and I pray that God will grant his family fortitude to bear his untimely death.

The government has also announced that in order to stage a successful and safe race, some roads in Kaduna metropolis will be closed on Saturday, from 6am to 3pm.

A statement from the Steering Committee of the Kaduna Marathon said that the government and the race organisers regret the inconvenience that the temporary closure of roads may cause to residents.

Commissioner of Sports, Professor Kabir Mato disclosed that the about 30 roads within the state capital will be fully or partially closed between 6am and 3pm on Saturday.

He explained that the security agencies who will be implementing the road closures expect the cooperation and voluntary compliance of residents.

Prof. Mato added that sponsors of Kaduna Marathon and the elite athletes participating in the event will be unveiled tomorrow at the final pre-event press briefing.

He disclosed that Kaduna Marathon will be broadcast live in accordance with international standards.

The commissioner commended registered runners who have collected their race kits for their orderly conduct at the KASU collection venue, and he urged those who are yet to collect their kits to do so.

Roads to be closed for Kaduna Marathon, Saturday, 21st November 2020 includes; Yakubu Avenue by Coronation Crescent and by Alkali, Galadima road by Alkali, Jabi Road by Alkali, Isa Kaita road by Alkali, Kalapanzi avenue by Alkali Road and by Maska Road, Suleiman Crescent by Coronation Crescent, Waziri Crescent by Coronation Crescent, North Road by Ali Akilu Road and by the State House of Assembly, Modibo Adama road by coronation crescent, Dantuku Road, Sambo Road, Sokoto Road, Dendo Road, Ruran Godiya and Kafur Road.

Others are; New Dawaki road, Maska road by Isa Kaita, Isa Kaita by Sultan Bello road, Tafawa Balewa Way by Muhammadu Buhari way, Yakubu Gowon Way by Muhammadu Buhari way, Club Road by Muhammadu Buhari Way, Oreland Kukawa road by Muhammadu Buhari way, Ahmadu Bello Way by NEPA Roundabout, Bank Road by Challenge Bookshop Roundabout, Sokoto Road by Ahmadu Bello Way, Modibo Adama by Ali Akilu Road, Kankiya Street by Sultan Bello Road, Runka Street by Sultan Bello Road, Bishini Road by Sultan Bello Road and Safana Road by Sultan Bello Road.