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. NAN
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