AFCON Tragedy : Kwara Varsity Deputy Bursar, Business Man, Ex- House Of Rep Member, NYSC Member Die Watching Super Eagles Semi-Final

Four people have been reportedly died while watching Super Eagles Semi-Final match against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa, on Wednesday, 6 February, 2024.

Feb 9, 2024 - 12:32

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AFCON Tragedy : Kwara Varsity Deputy Bursar, Business Man, Ex- House Of Rep Member, NYSC Member Die Watching Super Eagles Semi-Final

Four people have been reportedly died while watching Super Eagles Semi-Final match against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa, on Wednesday, 6 February, 2024.

Though Nigeria won the match after extra time during penalty kick, as Super Eagles won on penalty shootout.

According to reports, Abdullahi watched the match until the end of extra time but complained of dizziness.

He decided to return home to rest, unaware that his blood pressure had risen and upon reaching home, he collapsed and was rushed to a private hospital in Sango, where he gave up the ghost

Also, Chief Angus; one of the wealthy Igbo business men in Abidjan, died in the stadium, on Wednesday, February 7, 2024. He collapsed to death when South Africa levelled up with Nigeria in the one-one draw match that entered into penalty shootout

Chief Dr.Cairo Ojougboh, Medical Doctor and Former MP has passed away during the Nigeria vs.South Africa match.

The sad incident happened when the penalty was awarded against Nigeria. Dr Ojougboh was said to have shouted and slumped due to massive heart attack when SA scored.

Again, Dr Cairo Ojougboh from Delta state represented Ika Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives 2003-2007.

Also, a member of the National Youths Service Corps, NYSC, slumped and died during the penalty shootout stage of the match between Nigeria and South Africa, Wednesday evening.

Reports say the youth, identified simply as Samuel from Kaduna State was serving in Adamawa, but died just before the last kick that ensured Nigeria’s progress to the final of the African Cup of Nations.

A witness said in a social media post, “We lost one Nigerian during our victory celebration over South Africa today at our sports viewing center here in Numan. “The corps member who is serving in Numan from Kaduna fainted before the kick of the winning goal. He died before they could reach the hospital. May his soul rest in peace.”

The NYSC Coordinator in Adamawa State, Mr. Jingi Dennis, confirmed the matter in a telephone conversation Thursday morning.

The coordinator said, ”I received the news of his death last night. I hope to have more details today.

“According to his colleagues who went with him to watch the match, the late corps member told them that he didn’t like watching penalty shootout. He then bowed his head and all of a sudden, he collapsed.

”He was confirmed dead at the General Hospital in Numan by the doctor.”

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles on Thursday night observed a minute silence in honour of the lives of Nigerians lost in the course of Nigeria’s semi-final match against South Africa.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than four persons died, Wednesday night while watching the semi-final match at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)

They include a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh; Deputy Bursar, Kwara State University, Malete, Ayuba Abdullahi, and a corps member serving in Adamawa, simply identified as Samuel, among others.

Anambra-born businessman Osondu Nwoye, based in Cote d’Ivoire, was also reported to have collapsed inside the stadium while watching the match and died later in hospital.

Nigeria booked a berth to the AFCON final after a dramatic penalty shootout win against Bafana Bafana of South Africa.

The Super Eagles prevailed 4-2 on penalties following a nervy and captivating 1-1 draw at the end of 120 minutes.

A video posted on the Super Eagles’ official X handle (formerly Twitter) saw the team observing a minute of silence after their dinner for all the lives lost during the game.

Captain Ahmed Musa, who led the session, expressed the team’s heart-felt condolence for the families of those affected by the tragedy, adding that the team identifies with them in this difficult time of their lives

“Yesterday (Wednesday), we lost four good Nigerians because of our semi-final game against South Africa.

“So, we will observe one minute of silence, and afterwards pray for God to give their families the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

“There is nothing we can do but to identify with them in this difficult time of their lives because they need our support right now.

“Insha Allah, on Sunday, we are going to lift that trophy for them and for our country,” he said.

Musa afterwards requested one of the team’s players, Chigozie Awaziem, to pray for the repose of their souls.

NAN also reports that one of those who lost his life was Chief Nwoye, who was the President and Director-General of Group Auto Promotion.

According to an eyewitness, Nwoye was so elated and shouted on top of his voice when Victor Osimhen scored the second goal, which was later cancelled by VAR.

It was reported that the shout resulted in his collapsing inside the stadium.

All frantic efforts to revive him failed, as he was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

But experts said excitement could cause sudden death if there was an underlying health condition.

While the whole country was rejoicing on Wednesday, the people of Amanuike community in Anambra State, where he hails from, were thrown into mourning.

He was an illustrious person, the richest man in the community, who provided shelter, shade, and succour to many in that community.

Nigeria take on hosts Cote d’Ivoire in the final of the AFCON 2023 tournament at the Stade Olympique Alassane-Ouattara d’Ebimpé in Abidjan on Sunday from 9.00 p.m.