Super Eagles mourn Nigerians who died watching Nigeria/South Africa match

The Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, have expressed their condolences on the sudden deaths of some citizens during their gripping match with South Africa’s Bafana Bafana.

Some of those said to have died, due to what is believed to be hypertension, are a former House of Representatives member Cairo Ojuigbo; deputy bursar of the Kwara State University, Ayuba Olaitan Abdullahi; and a businessman Chief Osondu Nwoye.

Others said to have suffered similar fates are a father of two Mikail Osundiji, and a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) posted to Adamawa State.

In the commiseration message posted to X platform, the Super Eagles wrote: “During the course of our semi-final match, we tragically lost 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.

“May their souls find eternal peace, forever remembered for their love of football and the togetherness it brings. Rest in peace.”

Nigeria defeated South Africa in the semi-final encounter by penalty kicks.

The players were shorn of their brilliant performances seen in their previous games, allowing the Bafana Bafana dominate the game.

The Nigerian team however snatched victory from the South Africans as the Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made remarkable saves to book the team’s ticket to the final.

Nigeria will take on host Ivory Coast at the final, scheduled for Sunday.