Tragedy struck for several Nigerians as at least four of their fans have reportedly passed away while watching the thrilling African Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final match between the Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana, which Nigeria won 4-2 to advance to the final.
Wednesdays game was dampened by the deaths of three Nigerian fans who passed away while watching the match at back home, and one supporter who collapsed and died in the stadium.
Anambra-born billionaire Chief Osondu Nwoye reportedly passed away while watching the Super Eagles play against the South African national team,” one report stated.
Nwoye was said to be the wealthiest Igbo businessman based in Ivory Coast before his death.” He was CEO of Groupe Auto Promotion business conglomerate.
he was allegedly overjoyed when Nigerian striker Victor Osihmen scored in the second half to make it 2-0. “Reports suggest that Nwoye was ecstatic and shouting loudly when Nigerian striker Victor Osihmen scored the second goal,” the report said. However, the goal was later cancelled by VAR, the video replay system.
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.”
Alhaji Ayuba Abdullahi, Deputy Bursar of KWASU university in Nigeria, also passed away while watching the match.
Additionally, Delta State politician Dr. Cairo Ojougboh suffered the same fate after South Africa scored on a penalty kick. Delta born politician Ojougboh slumped immediately after Mokoena scored the penalty kick against Nigeria. Attempts to revive him proved abortive, a witness recounted.
A Nigerian youth corps member named Samuel also died in the closing moments of the game. “The corps member identified only as Samuel from Kaduna State, serving in Adamawa State, allegedly passed away just before the final kick, which secured Nigeria’s win in the match,” the report stated.
Meanwhile. Former Osun State Commissioner Remi Omowaiye, wary of further tragedy striking hypertensive fans, urged Nigerians managing hypertension to avoid next Sunday’s final match. He warned that the stress of watching could endanger their health after several fans died of shock during the semi-final.
After beating South Africa 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in extra time, the Super Eagles will face the host Ivory Coast at to the Grand Finale on Sunday.
