Super Eagles AFCON
The Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, has paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the semi-final of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) against South Africa.
In a heartfelt video posted on the team’s official Instagram page on Friday, Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa led the team in observing a minute’s silence in memory of those who died during the match.
The Super Eagles captain also expressed the team’s determination to lift the trophy on Sunday in honor of the departed Nigerians.
He said, “Yesterday, we lost four good Nigerians because of the game. We wish their families the best but there’s nothing we can do. Insha Allah, on Sunday, we’re gonna lift that trophy for them and the country.”
The Super Eagles also expressed their condolences to the fans through their official X account with a message that read:
“During our semi-final match, we tragically lost a 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.”
They prayed that the souls of the departed would find “eternal peace, forever remembered for their love of football and the solidarity associated with it. Rest in peace.”
No fewer than five people lost their lives while watching the match between the Super Eagles and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana on Wednesday, February 7th.
Former Delta State House of Representatives member, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, is said to have died while watching the AFCON semi-finals.
Salesman, Mikail Osundiji, who works at Nestle Plc, also reportedly collapsed and died while watching the match in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Chief Osondu Nwoye, an Anambra-born businessman residing in Abidjan, was reported dead, other victims include Deputy Finance Minister, Alhaji Ayuba Abdullahi from Kwara State University in Malete, and Samuel, a Nigerian graduate and corps member.
They all collapsed and died after a referee disallowed Nigeria’s second goal against South Africa and awarded a penalty instead.
Nigeria and the host country, Ivory Coast will meet in the final on Sunday. Both teams secured their place after winning their semi-finals against South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo respectively. Get Bet Predictions On 100 Percent Sure Wins
Watch a video of the team below,
