Former Osun State Commissioner for Works, Mr. Remi Omowaiye, has issued a cautionary advisory on Thursday, urging Nigerians managing hypertension to refrain from watching the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON) final match.
In a statement from Osogbo, Omowaiye stressed the necessity of this warning following tragic reports of football fans’ deaths caused by shock during Wednesday’s gripping semi-final clash, where the Super Eagles of Nigeria triumphed over South Africa’s Bafana Bafana.
Expressing his own apprehension during the tense moments of the semi-final, especially when Nigeria faced a crucial penalty, Omowaiye revealed he would opt out of watching the final live, choosing instead to catch a replay after the match concludes.
He called upon the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to honor the memory of those who lost their lives while passionately supporting the team, emphasizing the importance of paying tribute to the departed, even in death.
Omowaiye emphasized, “Nigerians managing hypertension should steer clear of the final match on Sunday. It’s advisable to wait until the game concludes and then watch the replay. The level of anxiety during the semi-final was unprecedented. I shivered with nervousness.”
He further highlighted the unfortunate incidents during the semi-final, including the passing out of a notable APC leader in Delta State, Dr. Cairo, and the sudden demise of a prominent Nigerian businessman in Cote D’Ivoire.
Additionally, the Deputy Bursar of a university in Kwara State and a Corps member in Kaduna also experienced health crises during the match.
As Nigeria gears up to face the host nation, Cote D’Ivoire, in Sunday’s final, Omowaiye’s cautionary words serve as a reminder to prioritize health and well-being amid the excitement of sports events.
