AFCON: Five individuals who died during Super Eagles’ match
At least five Nigerians lost their lives while watching the intense semi-final match between Nigeria and South Africa at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d‘Ivoire on Wednesday.
The highly anticipated match, fervently awaited by fans of both nations, took a tragic turn with reports of surfacing of fatal incidents.
According to accounts, the fatalities unfolded when South Africa was granted a penalty kick against Nigeria towards the game’s conclusion.
Another distressing incident transpired during the penalty shoot-outs, where no less than four Nigerians reportedly lost their lives.
Among the deceased are Samuel, a serving member of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC), who tragically slumped and died at a viewing centre in Adamawa.
Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, a former member of the House of Representatives representing Ika federal constituency of Delta State, met his demise while engrossed in the match.
Additionally, the high-tension encounter claimed the life of Alhaji Ayuba Abdullahi, the deputy bursar of Kwara State University (KWASU).
Mikail Osundiji, a sales representative in Ogun State, was also reported to have succumbed during the tension-soaked match.
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Additionally, unconfirmed reports surfaced, suggesting that Anambra-born billionaire Chief Osondu Nwoye, residing in Ivory Coast, allegedly passed away while watching Wednesday’s AFCON semifinal match between his home country and South Africa.
Nwoye, a prominent spare parts dealer and the CEO of Group Auto Promotion Cote d’Ivoire, residing in Ivory Coast, reportedly shouted at the top of his voice when Nigerian star striker Victor Osihmen scored the second goal.
Unfortunately, the joy turned to shock as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) later nullified the goal and awarded a penalty against Nigeria. It is alleged that the emotional impact of witnessing the goal cancellation and the subsequent penalty proved too overwhelming for his fragile heart, leading to his collapse in the stadium.
Chukwudi Iwuchukwu, a Facebook user who shared the story on Thursday, mentioned that Nwoye was promptly rushed to the hospital. Despite all efforts, attempts to revive him proved futile, and he was pronounced dead.
Concerning the legislator, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, an insider close to the outspoken politician shared with our correspondent in Asaba, Delta State, that the APC chieftain collapsed immediately after a penalty kick was awarded against Nigeria during the AFCON match against South Africa.
Sources disclosed that Ayuba Abdullahi, the deputy bursar of Kwara State University (KWASU), met his demise after being present at a sports center in the Sango area, conveniently located near his residence.
According to the information provided by Nofisat, the deceased’s elder sister, Ayuba watched the game until the end of extra time, felt discomfort, and was promptly transported to a private hospital in the vicinity, where he eventually passed away.
“That was when other people at the football viewing centre rushed to him and took him to one of the private hospitals in Olomoore before the doctor on duty pronounced him dead”.
Nofisat said the remains of the deceased were buried yesterday according to the Islamic rites.
“We cannot take his corpse to Okuku in Osun State because he still has a father, mother and two children who are 12 and seven years of age”.
Expressing sorrow over the loss of her younger brother, Nofisat earnestly appealed to the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for support to the family.
Specifically, she requested assistance in the form of scholarships to facilitate the completion of education for the children left behind.
