AFCON 2023: Super Eagles grieve over fatalities following win against South Africa
Players and officials of the Super Eagles held a moment of silence in honour of Nigerians who died while watching the team play against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.
Nigeria progressed to the final stage of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations after beating South Africa on penalties as the two sides could not be separated after extra time.
The win sent the Eagles to the final for the first time since 2013.
The aftermath of the victory came with sadness for some families as about four Nigerians died on Wednesday night while watching the semi-final match in the ongoing AFCON in Côte D’Ivoire.
The deceased include a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh; Deputy Bursar, Kwara State University, Malete, Ayuba Abdullahi, and a corps member serving in Adamawa State, simply identified as Samuel.
Anambra-born businessman, Osondu Nwoye, based in Cote d’Ivoire, was also reported to have collapsed inside the stadium, while watching the match and died later in hospital.
The players and officials of the Super Eagles expressed sadness over the incident as they pray for the repose of their souls.
Nigeria will play Côte d’Ivoire, the hosts, later on Sunday in the winner-take-all encounter of the most prestigious competition in Africa.
