A Nigerian politician tragically lost his life while watching his country’s national football team face off against South Africa, in a match that was part of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
The match, which took place on Wednesday, witnessed a thrilling encounter between Nigeria and South Africa in the semi-final round of the Africa Cup of Nations.
It concluded with Nigeria securing a spot in the final after winning the penalty shootout (4-2) following a draw in both regular and extra time (1-1).
According to reports from the Nigerian newspaper Punch, Cairo Ojouboh, a former member of the House of Representatives and a prominent political figure in the country, passed away while watching the Nigeria vs. South Africa match.
It was reported that Cairo Ojouboh, who had a heart condition, screamed and collapsed suddenly after the referee awarded a penalty kick against Nigeria in the final minutes of the match.
A doctor cited by the newspaper confirmed that the 64-year-old Ojouboh suffered a severe heart attack and passed away after South Africa scored the equalizing goal against Nigeria just minutes before the end of regular time.
Despite the tragedy, Nigeria advanced to the Africa Cup of Nations final in a gripping fashion.
The Eagles were in the lead from the 67th minute until the 90th minute before South Africa leveled the score with a penalty kick.
With the match ending in a draw after extra time (1-1), Nigeria emerged victorious in the penalty shootout (4-2), setting up a final showdown against Ivory Coast.
The untimely death of Cairo Ojouboh during the match has cast a somber shadow over what was an intense and memorable football encounter.
