AFCON Fever: Three Nigerians Die of Heart Attack While Watching Super Eagles VS S/Africa
LAGOS, Nigeria – The semi-final match between Nigeria and South Africa in the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) turned tragic for three Nigerians who died of heart attack while watching the game on Wednesday night.
The victims were identified as Alhaji Ayuba Abdullahi, the Deputy Bursar of Kwara State University Malete, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, a former federal lawmaker from Delta State, and Samuel, a National Youth Service Corps member serving in Adamawa State.
According to eyewitnesses, Abdullahi was at a sports centre in the Sango area of Ilorin when he started feeling dizzy during the penalty shootout. He decided to go home and rest, but collapsed on the way and was rushed to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Ojougboh, a medical doctor and a former member of the House of Representatives, was watching the match at his residence in Asaba when he suffered a massive heart attack after South Africa scored a penalty. He was also taken to a hospital but did not survive.
Samuel, whose surname was not disclosed, was among the corps members who gathered at the NYSC lodge in Yola to watch the match. He reportedly slumped and died just before the final kick that gave Nigeria the victory.
The university, the NYSC, and the families of the deceased have confirmed their deaths and expressed their condolences. The cause of death for each of the victims is yet to be officially determined, but sources said they might have had underlying health conditions that were aggravated by the tension and excitement of the match.
Nigeria won the match against South Africa by 4-3 goals on penalties after regulation and extra time ended 1-1. The Super Eagles will face Senegal in the final on Sunday, hoping to lift their fourth AFCON trophy.
