Sports
FIFA Pays Tribute To Nigerians Who Died While Watching 2023 AFCON
The world football governing body, FIFA has sent its condolences to Nigeria and the families of the Nigerians who lost their lives while watching the Super Eagles vs South Africa 2023 AFCON semi-final clash on Wednesday, February 7.
According to reports, a former member of the House of Representatives from the Ika Federal Constituency of Delta State, Cairo Ojougboh, died while watching the Super Eagles clash with South Africa.
Osondu Nwoye, a businessman from Anambra state who resides in Abidjan slumped and died while watching the AFCON game in the stadium.
Another Nigerian, Mikail Osundiji, died while watching the game in Abeokuta, Ogun state. Deputy Bursar of Kwara State University, Malete, Ayuba Abdullahi also slumped and died after Victor Osimhen’s goal was disallowed during the game.
Others are a youth corps member in Adamawa, Samuel Yunana, and 43-year-old Mikail Osundiji in Abeokuta.
Recall that the game ended in a 1-1 draw and was decided by a penalty shootout and fortunately, Super Eagles came out victorious.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have tragically passed away as well as the entire football community in Nigeria. Rest in peace”, FIFA wrote via its X official account.
Also, the Super Eagles of Nigeria’s official Instagram page posted on Thursday: “In a cruel twist of fate, their fervent passion for the beautiful game unwittingly led them to their final moments as Nigeria vs South Africa match unfolded, they were lost in the thrill of the game, unaware of the looming danger.”
The Super Eagles prayed that the departed “find eternal peace, forever remembered for their love of football and the togetherness it brings. Rest in peace.”
The Super Eagles are expected to pay tribute to the departed souls by wearing black hand bands during the 2023 AFCON final against Ivory Coast on Sunday, February 11.
Nigeria will face the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 2026 World Cup playoff final on Sunday.
The winner of this game will represent Africa at the intercontinental playoff in March 2026.
The Super Eagles on Thursday, thrashed Gabon 4-1 in their semi-final game, with Victor Osimhen scoring twice in extra time.
In the second half of the day, DR Congo pulled off a surprise result, as they beat Cameroon 1-0.
Captain Chancel Mbemba headed in a late winner in stoppage time, to give his country a chance of qualifying for next year’s tournament.
The game will be played at the newly built Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
After over 120 minutes, Nigeria qualify for 2026 World Cup after pummelling Gabon national team 4-1 in Rabat , Morocco on Thursday.
Gangling Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen silenced the Gabonese scoring the third and fourth goal in the fourth stanza game which finished at a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes.
Akor Adams put Nigeria ahead in the 78th minute, but just as the Super Eagles seemed poised for a 1-0 win, Mario Lemina struck for Gabon in the 89th minute, sending the match into extra time.
In extra time, Nigeria regained the lead when substitute Chidera Ejuke scored his first goal for the Super Eagles after 97 minutes.
Osimhen, who squandered a great chance to win the match at the end of regular time, firing wide with only goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba to beat, atoned on 102 minutes, firing across goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba into the far corner after being set up by Benjamin Fredrick.
He struck again on 110 minutes, controlling a long pass before once again beating Mbaba with a shot into the far corner.
The winner will advance to the play-off final to face either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo.
After over 120 minutes, Nigeria qualify for 2026 World Cup after pummelling Gabon national team 4-1 in Rabat , Morocco on Thursday.
Gangling Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen silenced the Gabonese scoring the third and fourth goal in the fourth stanza game which finished at a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes.
In the 78th minute Adam scored the opener for Nigeria and the Gabonese equalised in the 89th minute.
Details shortly….
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