At least five Nigerians died while watching the semi-final match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Bafana Bafana of South Africa on Wednesday night in the ongoing African Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Cote D’Ivoire.
Metrowatchxtra.com reports that the match was tension-soaked even as the Super Eagles defeated the Bafana in penalty shootouts.
According to reports, those who died watching the match included a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC,
Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, a corps member serving in Adamawa State, simply identified as Samuel, Deputy Bursar, Kwara State University, Malete, Ayuba Abdullahi, Mikail Osundiji of Olomoore area of Abeokuta, Ogun State.
It was also gathered that one Anambra-born businessman, Osondu Nwoye who was based in Cote d’Ivoire, reportedly collapsed inside the stadium and later died in a hospital.
Reports said that Ojougboh, a former Member of the House of Representatives, who represented the Ika Federal Constituency of Delta State slumped in his house in Abuja, while watching the match.
The extreme anxiety that followed the match also claimed the life of Abdullahi, who was at a viewing center in Sango area of Kwara state.
He died during the penalty kick.
A member of the National Youth Service Corps, Samuel also died during the penalty shootout.
The corps member from Kaduna State, allegedly passed away just before the final kick which secured Nigeria’s win in the match.
