The intense semifinal match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the ongoing African Cup of Nations, AFCON, was marred by tragedy as at least five Nigerians lost their lives while watching the game in Cote D’Ivoire.
The tension-soaked match ended with the Super Eagles defeating the Bafana Bafana in penalty shootouts.
Among the reported fatalities were Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a corps member serving in Adamawa State identified as Samuel, Deputy Bursar of Kwara State University, Malete – Ayuba Abdullahi, and Mikail Osundiji of Olomoore area of Abeokuta, Ogun State. Additionally, Anambra-born businessman Osondu Nwoye, based in Cote d’Ivoire, reportedly collapsed in the stadium and later passed away in a hospital.
Reports indicated that Ojougboh, a former Member of the House of Representatives, slumped in his house in Abuja while watching the match, while Abdullahi tragically passed away at a viewing center in Sango area of Kwara state during the penalty kick. The fatalities also included a member of the National Youth Service Corps from Kaduna State, identified as Samuel, who allegedly passed away just before the final kick securing Nigeria’s win in the match.
