Super Eagles of Nigeria, on Thursday, mourned its fans who died during the semi-finals of the ongoing African Cup of Nations.
No less than five persons had died while watching the match between Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana of South Africa on Wednesday.
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 the 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.”
A former member of the House of Representatives who represented the Ika Federal Constituency of Delta State, Dr Cairo Ojougboh, reportedly died while watching the AFCON semi-finals.
Also, a sales representative, Mikail Osundiji, said to be working with Nestle Plc reportedly slumped and died while watching the match in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
An Anambra State-born businessman, Chief Osondu Nwoye, from Amanuke, in Awka North Local Government Area, but a resident in Abidjan was also reported dead.
Others who had died while watching the match include: Deputy Bursar of Kwara State University, Malete, Alhaji Ayuba Abdullahi; and a Nigerian graduate and corps member named Samuel..
They had all slumped and died following a heavy shock after the referee nullified Nigeria’s second goal against South Africa, put in the net by striker Victor Osimhen and awarded a penalty kick in favour of South Africa.
Nigeria and the host nation, Cote D’Ivoire would meet on Sunday in the final match of the Nations Cup, after both won their semi-final matches against South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo respectively.
Credit: Punch