There was panic in Awka, Anambra State, when Reverend Father Anthony Udogu of the Catholic Diocese of Awka slumped and died while playing lawn tennis.

The Diocesean Chancellor, Rev Fr Charles Ndubuisi, confirmed the death of the priest in an official statement on Tuesday.

“With faith in the resurrection of the Lord, the Catholic Diocese of Awka announces the demise of our brother priest, Rev Fr Anthony Udogu, whose sudden death occurred in the early hours of today,” the statement read.

Ndubuisi said the deceased priest collapsed while playing tennis and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital. Unfortunately, all efforts to revive him proved unsuccessful.

The statement said until his death, Fr Udogu was the Parish Priest of St Francis of Assisi, Awka, and the Dean of Awka Deanery II.

According to the statement, the late priest was widely respected for his leadership, dedication to pastoral service, and commitment to community development.

The Catholic Diocese sympathised with his family, parishioners, and all those mourning his loss, assuring that details of his burial will be announced in due course.

“May the soul of Rev Fr Anthony Nnaemeka Udogu rest in the bosom of the Lord,” the statement concluded.