During the semi-final match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Cote D’Ivoire, a distressing incident occurred resulting in the loss of at least five Nigerian lives.

The match was filled with tension as the Super Eagles emerged victorious over Bafana Bafana in a penalty shootout.

Among those who tragically lost their lives while watching the match were Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC); Samuel, a corps member serving in Adamawa State; Ayuba Abdullahi, Deputy Bursar of Kwara State University, Malete; Mikail Osundiji from the Olomoore area of Abeokuta, Ogun State; and Osondu Nwoye, a businessman from Anambra who was based in Cote d’Ivoire and reportedly collapsed inside the stadium, eventually passing away in the hospital.

Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, a former Member of the House of Representatives representing the Ika Federal Constituency of Delta State, collapsed in his house in Abuja while watching the match.

The high level of anxiety during the match also led to the unfortunate demise of Ayuba Abdullahi, who was at a viewing center in Sango, Kwara state. He passed away during the penalty shootout.

Tragically, a member of the National Youth Service Corps, Samuel, from Kaduna State, also lost his life during the penalty shootout, just moments before Nigeria secured victory in the match.

This incident has cast a shadow of sadness over the AFCON tournament, reminding us of the unpredictability of life and the need to cherish every moment.