By Amaechi Agbo

No fewer than four persons have been reported dead while watching Nigeria vs South Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON 2023 semi-final match on Wednesday.

Nigeria and rival South Africa squared up for a place in the AFCON 2023 final on Wednesday with the Super Eagles taking the lead in the second half through a penalty.

However, on the dot of 90 minute, the Bafana Bafana restored parity through spot kick to drag the match into extra time.

Although Nigeria eventually claimed a 4-2 penalty shootout victory, some Nigerians lost their lives as a result of the match while watching at different places.

Nigerian Businessman, Chief Osondu Nwoye passed on while watching the match in Ivory Coast’s capital, Abidjan. He was the CEO of Groupe Auto Promotion. He collapsed after South Africa equalised Nigeria’s goal on the dot of 90 minute.

Another follower and supporter of the team, the Deputy Bursar, Kwara State University,  Alhaji Ayuba Abdullahi also passed on while watching the game. He watched the match from the beginning till the end of extra time, till it was time for penalty shootout. He complained of dizziness, went back home to rest not knowing that his BP had gone up.

On getting home, he collapsed and was rushed to a private hospital in Sango but was referred to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital. Before he could be attended to, he died

A former Representing Delta State at the House of Representatives, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh also passed on while watching the AFCON game on Wednesday.

Nigerian graduate undergoing the mandatory National Youth Corps Service identified as Samuel kicked the bucket as a result of apprehension watching the match.

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles of Nigeria on Thursday observed a minute silent in honour of the lost soul before their training ahead of the Sunday final against Ivory Coast n Sunday.

The AFCON 2023 final on Sunday will kick-off by 9pm Nigeria time.