AFCON: NYSC member dies watching Nigeria, South Africa match

A member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in Numan, Adamawa State has been confirmed dead while watching the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.

It was gathered that the NYSC member, identified simply as Samuel, died during the penalty shootouts of the match on Wednesday evening.

It was learnt that the corps member collapsed before the final kick which secured Nigeria’s win in the semi-final clash.

He was later rushed to the General Hospital in Numan where he was confirmed dead.

Ex-Reps member slumps, dies watching Nigeria, S’Africa clash

A witness, in a post on social media, said: “We lost one Nigerian during our victory celebration over South Africa at our sports viewing centre here in Numan.

“The corps member who is serving in Numan from Kaduna State fainted before the kick of the winning goal.

“He died before they could reach the hospital in Numan. May his soul rest in peace.”

Confirming the incident on Thursday, February 8, the NYSC Coordinator in Adamawa State, Jingi Dennis, said: “I received the news of his death last night. I hope to have more details today.

“According to his colleagues who went with him to watch the match, the late corps member told the people around him that he did not like watching penalty shootouts. He then bowed his head and all of a sudden, he collapsed.

”He was confirmed dead at the General Hospital in Numan by the doctor.”

The Star had reported that a former member of the House of Representatives who represented the Ika Federal Constituency of Delta State, Dr Cairo Ojougboh, also slumped and died on Wednesday evening while watching the AFCON semi-final match between Nigeria and South Africa.

The Star