Super Eagles also prayed that the souls of the departed “find eternal peace”, adding that they will be “forever remembered”
By Kehinde Okeowo
Players and officials of the Super Eagles on Thursday, held a minute of silence in honour of some fans who died during their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final win over South Africa
Nigeria qualified for the final of the tournament on Wednesday night, after seeing off Bafana Bafana via a penalty shootout.
However, the emotions and tension of the game appeared to get to some Nigerians, leading to the death of not less than five fans.
They include a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, a corps member serving in Adamawa State, simply identified as Samuel, Deputy Bursar, Kwara State University, Malete, Ayuba Abdullahi and a sales representative of Nestle Plc, Mikail Osundiji, who reportedly slumped and died while watching the match in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
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TheNiche also gathered that one Anambra-born businessman, Osondu Nwoye, who was based in Cote d’Ivoire, reportedly collapsed inside the stadium and later died in a hospital.
Reacting to the news of their death, the Super Eagles via their X handle, tweeted: “During 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 as the Nigeria vs South Africa match unfolded, they were lost in the thrill of the game, unaware of the looming danger.”
The team further prayed that the souls of the departed “find eternal peace” and be “forever remembered for their love of football and the togetherness it brings.”
Nigeria and the host nation, Cote D’Ivoire would meet on Sunday in the final match of the Nations Cup, after both won their semi-final matches against South Africa and the DR Congo respectively.