AFCON: Corps member faints, die while watching Super Eagles penalty shootout against South Africa

A member of the National Youth Service Corps serving in Adamawa State reportedly died during the penalty shootouts of Nigeria’s match against South Africa on Wednesday evening.

According to The Nation, the corps member, Samuel from Kaduna State, allegedly died moments before the final kick that clinched Nigeria’s victory in the tournament.

A witness described the situation in a social media post.

The post read,

“We lost one Nigerian during our victory celebration over South Africa at our sports viewing centre here in Numan.

“The corps member who is serving in Numan from Kaduna State fainted before the kick of the winning goal.

“He died before they could reach the hospital in Numan. May his soul rest in peace.”

Also, the NYSC Coordinator in Adamawa State, Jingi Dennis, on Thursday, said the corps member was confirmed dead at the General Hospital in Numan.

Dennis said,

”I received the news of his death last night. I hope to have more details today.

“According to his colleagues who went with him to watch the match, the late corps member told the people around him that he did not like watching penalty shootouts. He then bowed his head and all of a sudden, he collapsed.

”He was confirmed dead at the General Hospital in Numan by the doctor.”

Similarly, a former member of the House of Representatives who represented the Ika Federal Constituency of Delta State, Dr Cairo Ojougboh, passed away on Wednesday evening while watching the AFCON semi-finals match between Nigeria and South Africa.

A source close to the politician stated,

“Cairo Ojougboh, a medical doctor died during the Nigeria vs. South Africa match.

“The incident happened when the penalty was awarded against Nigeria. Dr Ojougboh was said to have shouted and slumped due to massive heart attack when SA scored.”