This article is about five Nigerians who died while watching the semi-final match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Bafana Bafana of South Africa, in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.
Cairo Ojougboh
Ojougboh, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) reportedly slumped and died in his house in Abuja, while watching the epic match between the two African giants. Prior to his death, Ojougboh was erstwhile member representing the Ika Federal Constituency of Delta State in the House of Representatives and former Executive Director, of Projects, on the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Ayuba Abdullahi
Alhaji Ayuba Abdullahi, the Deputy Bursar of Kwara State University Malete, died at a viewing centre in Sango area of the State.
“The deputy bursar watched the Nigeria/South Africa match from the beginning till the end of the extra time, and continued till it was time for penalty kicks.
“He complained that he was feeling dizzy, so he said he needed to go back home and rest, not knowing that his BP had gone up.
“On getting home, he collapsed and was rushed to a private hospital in Sango where he was referred to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital but died before he could be attended to.
“He was buried yesterday (Thursday) morning, according to Islamic rites,” a source told Vanguard.
NYSC member
A member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in Adamawa, simply identified as Samuel, also died during the penalty shootouts of the match.
“We lost one Nigerian during our victory celebration over South Africa at our sports viewing centre here in Numan.
“The corps member who is serving in Numan from Kaduna State fainted before the kick of the winning goal.
“He died before they could reach the hospital in Numan. May his soul rest in peace,” a post by the NYSC read.
Mikail Osundiji
Osundiji, a sales representative with one of the multi-national manufacturing companies in Nigeria, died watching the match at a football viewing center at the Federal Housing Estate, Olomoore, Abeokuta. The 43-year-old man, according to reports, died as a result of shock after the centre referee cancelled Nigeria’s second goal against South Africa, scored by Victor Osimhen, and awarded a penalty against the Nigerian side.
Osondu Nwoye
Chief Osondu Nwoye also died while watching the match at the Peace Stadium of Bouaké. Prior to his demise, the Anambra-born businessman was said to be the richest Igbo businessman based in Ivory Coast.
A Facebook user, Chukwudi Iwuchukwu, in a post on Thursday, quoted a witness as saying that Nwoye was on top of the moon, shouting at the top of his voice when Nigerian striker, Victor Osihmen, scored the second goal which was later cancelled by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
It was alleged that the shock of seeing the goal cancelled and a penalty awarded to South Africa was too much to bear for his fragile heart, leading to his collapse inside the stadium.
According to the report, he was immediately rushed to the hospital but all efforts to revive him failed as he was pronounced dead.
(Tribune)
