The excitement of Nigeria’s victory over South Africa in the ongoing AFCON semifinals was marred by sorrow as tragic incidents claimed the lives of devoted football fans, including the Deputy Bursar of Kwara State University Malete, Alhaji Ayuba Abdullahi.
Abdullahi, engrossed in the match, experienced discomfort while watching at a sports center in the Sango area. Sources revealed that he complained of dizziness before collapsing at home. Rushed to a private hospital and later to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Abdullahi sadly passed away before receiving medical attention, his burial conducted according to Islamic rites.
Confirming the sad news, the university’s Director of Information, Dr. Saedat Aliyu, expressed condolences, although the exact cause of Abdullahi’s demise remains undetermined.
Similarly, former federal lawmaker Dr. Cairo Ojougboh met his untimely end during the match. Sources close to Ojougboh reported that he suffered a massive heart attack when South Africa scored a penalty against Nigeria.
Tragically, another football enthusiast, a member of the National Youth Service Corps serving in Adamawa State identified only as Samuel, also succumbed during the game. Reportedly, Samuel passed away just before Nigeria’s decisive winning kick.