The Super Eagles of Nigeria, observed a minute’s silence on Thursday night, in honour of the lives of Nigerians lost in the course of Nigeria’s semi-final match against South Africa.
It was gathered that four persons lost their lives on Wednesday night while watching the clash between the three times champions and Bafana Bafana in the ongoing African Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Cote D’Ivoire.
They 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.
Recall that Nigeria booked a ticket to the AFCON final after a dramatic penalty shootout win 4-2) against Bafana Bafana of South Africa.
Meanwhile, in a viral video posted on X, saw the team observe a minute of silence after their dinner for all the lives lost during the game.
Captain Ahmed Musa, who led the session, expressed the team’s heartfelt condolences for the families of those affected by the tragedy, adding that the team identifies with them in this difficult time of their lives.
He said: “Yesterday (Wednesday), we lost four good Nigerians because of our semi-final game against South Africa.
“So, we will observe one minute of silence and afterwards pray for God to give their families the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
“There is nothing we can do but identify with them in this difficult time of their lives because they need our support right now.
“Insha Allah, on Sunday, we are going to lift that trophy for them and for our country.”
Super eagles solidarity to the dead in prayers , promising to win AFCON 2023 Cup…………… Showing love for the Nation. ✊ pic.twitter.com/GMu1iSPrI7
— Dr Yunusa Tanko (@YunusaTanko) February 9, 2024
