When the whistle sounds for the final hostilities in the African Cup of Nations between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire, even the dead will play a part in the game.
Never before in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations has a final generated this type of tension. Never before, too, has many Nigerians paid the supreme price supporting their national team for the joy that only football can provide.
It has turned out to be an expensive sacrifice for Nigerians to die watching something ordinarily that brings joy to them. No less than six persons had died while watching the epic semi final cracker between Nigeria and South Africa that stretched into a shootout.
Super Eagles players paid their respects to the individuals who lost their lives and have promised to lift the AFCON trophy to ensure that they did not die in vain. Captain Troost Ekong, who has warded off danger from the defence of the Eagles, was so touched when he said: ‘’Winning the trophy remains the only best way to console those they left behind and to ensure that they rest in peace. It hit us too hard. I lack words to convey my condolences.’’ ‘
’May eternal rest grant unto them. Our condolences to their families’’, Alex Iwobi said. One of the most popular players and humorist, Kelechi Iheanacho, who ensured that the Eagles perched in the final by firing his last penalty into the net beyond South Africa’s Rowen Williams, said.
‘’May almighty God rest their beautiful souls. They sacrificed their lives supporting us. We’ll redouble our efforts to ensure they rest in perfect peace by winning the trophy’’.
Moses Simon, who has shone like the neon light in the attack of the Eagles with his dribble-runs, could not come to terms with the deaths. ‘’It’s most unfortunate and painful that Nigerians died. I feel pained and pray for the repose of their souls’’, he said. Sensational goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, the man who sent South Africa packing with his excellent goalkeeping, was equally touched and prayed for the repose of the souls of the dead. The feeling is the same for all the players.
They’ve resolved to honour the dead by winning the fourth AFCON title for Nigeria. When the battle rages on today at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Ebimpé, here in Abidjan, the unseen spirits of the dead Nigerians will join the Super Eagles to bring glory to Nigeria. Indeed, the labour of our heroes past, shall not be in vain.
Those who died watching the semi-final shootout between Nigeria vs South Africa include former member of the House of Representatives who represented the Ika Federal Constituency of Delta State, Dr Cairo Ojougboh. 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 resident in Abidjan was also reported dead.
Others who had died while watching the match also 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, prompted by VAR, nullified Nigeria’s second goal against South Africa, scored by Victor Osimhen and instead awarded a penalty kick in favour of South Africa. (Vanguard)
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