Sports

‘Unaware of looming danger’: Super Eagles mourn fans at AFCON game

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have mourned the team’s supporters who died during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final clash with the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.

No fewer than four football lovers died while watching the tensed match between the Super Eagles and the Bafana Bafana on Wednesday evening.

Tension escalated among football lovers when the Egyptian referee awarded a penalty to South Africa immediately after acknowledging Nigeria’s second goal scored by striker Victor Osimhen which was later cancelled by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

Reacting to the fans’ demise, the Super Eagles, in a post on the team’s X handle on Thursday, February 8, 2024, said: “During the course of 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.

Anambra businessman dies watching Nigeria, South Africa match

“As the Nigeria vs South Africa match unfolded, they were lost in the thrill of the game, unaware of the looming danger. May their souls find eternal peace, forever remembered for their love of football and the togetherness it brings. Rest in peace.”

The Star had reported that an Anambra State-born businessman, Osondu Nwoye, died while watching the AFCON semi-final match between the Super Eagles and the Bafana Bafana in Cote d’Ivoire.

It was gathered that the businessman, a resident of Abidjan in Cote d’Ivoire, slumped and died during the penalty shootouts of the match on Wednesday evening.

Others who died watching the match were a former member of the House of Representatives who represented the Ika Federal Constituency of Delta State, Dr Cairo Ojougboh; the Deputy Bursar of Kwara State University (KWASU), Ayuba Abdullahi; and a member of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) serving in Adamawa State, identified simply as Samuel.

Nigeria and hosts Cote d’Ivoire would meet on Sunday in the final match of the tournament, after winning their semi-final matches against South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo, respectively.

The Star

Segun Ojo

Recent Posts

Adeleke, others escape unhurt as podium collapses at political rally

There was a moment of panic in Osun State on Wednesday after a podium carrying…

35 minutes ago

Reps to vote on state police bill amid rising insecurity

The House of Representatives is set to begin voting on a constitutional amendment bill seeking…

2 hours ago

Tinubu to Abuja residents: Pay your taxes, land fees to enjoy more developmental projects

President Bola Tinubu has urged residents and business owners in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)…

2 hours ago

‘We drank our urine to survive’: Libya returnee recounts desert ordeal

A 23-year-old female Libya returnee, Endurance Daniel, on Wednesday recounted how she and other migrants…

3 hours ago

Four killed as troops foil abduction of WAEC candidates in Kogi

The Kogi State Government has confirmed that four people were killed after suspected bandits attempted…

4 hours ago

Gunmen kidnap Osun LG vice chairman

Gunmen have abducted the Vice Chairman of Ifedayo Local Government Area of Osun State, Debo…

5 hours ago

This website uses cookies.