The Super Eagles honoured the people who passed away while they were watching South Africa vs. Nigeria in the AFCON semi-final on Wednesday.
In a short video, Nigerian team captain, Ahmed Musa expressed his solidarity with the families of the deceased.
He said: “Yesterday we lost four good Nigerians because of the game and hold a minute silence. They need our support right now and Insha Allah on Sunday we are going to lift that trophy for them.”
The video also showed head coach Jose Peseiro and his staff members observing a minute of silence in honour of the deceased.
Four people, including Cairo Ojougboh, a former executive director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), passed away on Wednesday night while watching the AFCON semi-final.
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..
Following the tribute, Chidozie Awaziem, a 27-year-old central defender for Boavista of the Primeira Liga, led a brief prayer in which he prayed for God to protect Nigerians watching Sunday’s final between Boavista and hosts Côte d’Ivoire.
