By Chimaobi Afiauwa, Abuja
Nigeria’s exhilarating victory over the Bafana Bafana of Africa on Wednesday night has been marred by tragedy, with reports emerging of the deaths of three football enthusiasts during the match.
The fiercely contested game, culminating in a tense penalty shootout on a 4-2 victory for Nigeria, has resulted in the loss of three lives across different states, as the gripping match went on.
The latest casualty is Deputy Bursar of Kwara State University Malete, Alhaji Ayuba Abdullahi, who tragically passed away while watching the AFCON match.
According to The Punch, Abdullahi, experiencing discomfort at a sports center in the Sango area, collapsed upon returning home and subsequently died despite efforts to save him.
Confirming the heartbreaking news, the university’s Director of Information, Dr. Saedat Aliyu, expressed condolences, stating that the cause of death is yet to be determined.
“The Deputy Bursar watched the Nigeria/South Africa match from the beginning till the end of the extra time, till it was time for a penalty kick.
“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 and he was referred to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital and before he could be attended to, he died.
“He was buried on Thursday morning according to Islamic rites.”
Meanwhile, the university issued a statement announcing Abdullahi’s demise and scheduled his burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
In a parallel incident, former federal lawmaker in Delta State, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, also suffered a fatal heart attack while watching the Eagles’ match, underscoring the emotional intensity of the game.
“Cairo Ojougboh, a medical doctor died during the Nigeria vs.South Africa match.
“The incident happened when the penalty was awarded against Nigeria. Dr Ojougboh was said to have shouted and slumped due to a massive heart attack when SA scored,” a family source disclosed to newsmen.
Similarly, a member of the National Youth Service Corps serving in Adamawa State, identified as Samuel from Kaduna State, reportedly succumbed to the tension, further highlighting the tragic toll of the match.
As the nation mourns these losses, the Super Eagles’ victory is overshadowed by the heartbreak of these untimely deaths, reminding us of the profound impact of sports on the lives of Nigerians.
