Collins Poku added that the Ghanian contingent watched as the late doctor was being resuscitated before he was finally taken to the hospital
By Kehinde Okeowo
A Ghanaian sports journalist, Collins Poku, has blamed the death of a Confederation of African Football (CAF) doctor, Dr. Joseph Kabungo, on Nigeria fans whom he allegedly beat him to death while protesting at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.
Ghana drew with the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Moshood Abiola Stadium on Tuesday night to qualify on away goal rule for this year’s World Cup after playing a goalless draw in the first leg in Kumasi last Friday.
Angry Nigeria fans later invaded the pitch and proceeded to attack Ghanaian players and fans, destroying properties in the Stadium in the process.
British-Nigerian journalist, Osasu Obayiuwana, earlier tweeted that the doctor was rushed to the hospital where his death was confirmed.
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He later confirmed that the doctor’s family, the Zambia FA, and the Government of Zambia have been informed about his death.
He also added that there will be consequences for NFF and Nigeria if it is discovered that he died after he was attacked by the fans.
Osasu wrote, “Sad news: I understand that an official for the @NGSuperEagles vs @GhanaBlackstars match (not a referee or assistant referee) died in #Abuja today.
“His name is Dr. Joseph Kabungo from Zambia. He was on duty as Doping officer. He collapsed suddenly and died. Cause of death not confirmed yet. His family, the Zambia FA, and the government of Zambia have been duly informed.
“If the death of #Zambian doctor Dr. Joseph Kabungo at the #Abuja stadium was caused by being attacked by the #Nigerian fans who invaded the pitch, after the @NGSuperEagles lost the @FIFAWorldCup ticket to @GhanaBlackstars, @thenff would be in terrible trouble with @FIFAcom.”
Collins Poku while replying to Osasu’s tweet, said he was beaten and threaded on by the Nigerian fan who invaded the pitch.
He also said the Ghanian contingent watched as he was being resuscitated before he was finally taken to the hospital.
“They beat him, he fell and they throded on him. He lost consciousness and was rushed to an ambulance closer to the Ghana dressing room for CPR. The entire Ghanaian contingent watched on as resuscitation attempts were made with an oxygen mask. He was taken to hospital later and now this. Sad.” Collins Poku tweeted.
However, a sports expert, Saddick Adams, gave a different version of what happened claiming Kabungo died from a cardiac arrest.
He went on to say he reliably gathered that the doctor’s death was not related to the crowd violence at the stadium, as he collapsed while walking towards the dressing room of the teams.
“A reliable CAF source tells me the death of the CAF Medical officer at the Moshood Abiola Stadium last night was NOT related to the crowd violence.”
“A report sent to the CAF team by the Game Control Department was quoted as reading in part, “Kabungo had a cardiac arrest when walking towards the team dressing rooms and collapsed on the floor.
“Both team doctors and other medical personnel administered CPR on him but after a while, he was taken to hospital and that’s when the terrible news was confirmed,” he said.
The deceased played football professionally, he was a former goalkeeper of the Mufulira Wanderers, one of Zambia’s most successful clubs.
He also served as Chongwe and Siavonga District Chief Health Medical Officer before working for CAF.