The Super Eagles on Thursday, mourned its fans who died during Nigeria’s semi-final match against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa on Wednesday at the ongoing African Cup of Nations in Cote d’voire.
Super Eagles players paid their respects to the individuals who lost their lives and have promised to lift the AFCON trophy for all who died watching them play.
No less than five persons had died while watching the game between the two sides.
The Eagles, while mourning the fans through its X handle wrote, “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 prayed that the souls of the departed “find eternal peace, forever remembered for their love of football and the togetherness it brings. Rest in peace.”
A former member of the House of Representatives who represented the Ika Federal Constituency of Delta State, Dr Cairo Ojougboh, reportedly died while watching the AFCON semi-finals.
Also, a sales representative, Mikail Osundiji, said to be working with Nestle Plc reportedly slumped and died while watching the match in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
An Anambra State-born businessman, Chief Osondu Nwoye, from Amanuke, in Awka North Local Government Area, but a resident in Abidjan was also reported dead.
Others who had died while watching the match include: Deputy Bursar of Kwara State University, Malete, Alhaji Ayuba Abdullahi; and a Nigerian graduate and corps member named Samuel..
They had all slumped and died following a heavy shock after the referee nullified Nigeria’s second goal against South Africa, put in the net by striker Victor Osimhen and awarded a penalty kick in favour of South Africa.
Nigeria will face Cote d’Ivoire in the final of the AFCON at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Ebimpe in Abidjan on Sunday by 9pm Nigerian time.
SOME NIGERIANS DIDN’T DIE DURING THE MATCH BUT I CAN ASURE YOU THAT MANY NIGERIANS HAVE INJURIES IN THEM – thier heart – AS A RESULT OF THIS MATCH