While Nigerians continued to bask in the euphoria of the Super Eagles’ victory against the Bafana Bafana, South Africa football team at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals, sadly, at least four Nigerians could not make it to Thursday, the next after the game.
Nigerian Newssphere, in this report, identified Nigerians who died while watching Wednesday’s clash between Nigeria and South Africa.
Former NDDC MD, Cairo Ojougboh
The former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission and Former member of the House of Representatives, Ika federal constituency, Dr Cairo Ojougboh, died while watching the game.
Reacting to the death of Ojougboh, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commiserated with his family, government and people of Delta State over the tragic loss.
Anambra-born billionaire Osondu Nwoye
Unfortunately, Nigerians also wake up with the news that Anambra-born billionaire Chief Osondu Nwoye allegedly died while watching the Super Eagles of Nigeria play against the South African national team.
Nwoye was said to be the wealthiest Igbo businessman based in Ivory Coast before his death.
The Deputy Bursar of Kwara State University (KWASU) Malete, Alhaji Ayuba Olaitan Abdullahi, passed away while watching the tension-filled thriller between Nigeria and South Africa.
Adamawa NYSC corp member Samuel
A National Youth Service Corps member identified as Samuel from Kaduna State was said to have passed away before the final kick, which Nigeria scored in the penalty shootouts to win the match on Wednesday.
The NYSC Coordinator in Adamawa State, Jingi Dennis, said on Thursday that the corps member was confirmed dead at the General Hospital in Numan.
Meanwhile, in preparation for the Match on Wednesday, Nigeria’s football industry also lost former Super Falcons’ and U17 Boys’ National Team Coach Godwin Izilein and Kayode Tijani, a football journalist.
Nigerian Newssphere recalls that Nigeria won the tension-soaked match against South Africa by four goals to two penalty shootouts in favour of the Super Eagles after a 1-1 draw at the game’s extra time.