It has been confirmed that 5 Nigerians died watching the Super Eagles AFCON semifinal match against South Africa on Wednesday, MySportDab reports.
Leading the list of the deceased persons is a former House of Representatives Member from Delta State Dr Cairo Ojougboh.
Ojouboh is said to have died as watching the match went into penalties after South Africa’s late equaliser.
Also, Nestle Plc staff Mikail Osundiji, who is working as a sales representative for the company, is said to have died instantly while watching the match in Ogun State Capital, Abeokuta.
A Kwara Varsity Deputy Bursar, identified as Ayuba, also died during the match in Illorin
Ayuba had reportedly joined other football lovers in a sports center in Kwara to watch the match before beginning to complain of dizziness as the match edged close to penalties.
After feeling extreme discomfort he reportedly left the match center and was back home where he reportedly collapsed and died.
“The deputy bursar watched the Nigeria/South Africa match from the beginning till the end of the extra time, and when it was time for the 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.
“So on getting home, he collapsed, and he was rushed to a private hospital in Sango, where he was referred to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), and before he could be attended to, he died,” the source said.
A corp member, identified as Samuel, is also said to have died while watching the match.
Samuel, who hails from Kaduna State but was serving in Adamawa State, gave up the ghost when the match entered penalties.
Nigerian Businessman, Chief Osondu Nwoye passed on while watching Nigeria and South Africa’s game.
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He was the CEO of Groupe Auto Promotion. He collapsed after Victor Osimhen’s late goal was cancelled.
The Super Eagles, while mourning the fans via its X handle wrote, “During our semi-final match, we tragically lost few supporters.
“In a cruel twist of fate, their fervent passion for the beautiful game unwittingly led them to their final moments as Nigeria vs South Africa match unfolded, they were lost in the thrill of the game, unaware of the looming danger.”
The team prayed that the souls of the departed “find eternal peace, forever remembered for their love of football and the togetherness it brings. Rest in peace.”
During the course of our semi-final match, we tragically lost few supporters. In a cruel twist of fate, their fervent passion for the beautiful game unwittingly led them to their final moments
As the Nigeria vs South Africa match unfolded, they were lost in the thrill of the… pic.twitter.com/3ITEUtza3v
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) February 8, 2024
Nigeria defeated South Africa on penalties to reach their 8th AFCON final where they will take on Ivory Coast on Sunday.
