Super Eagles players on Thursday, reacted to the deaths of fans during their semi-final match against South Africa in the ongoing African Cup of Nations.
About five Nigerian fans died ostensibly from heart attack while watching the Wednesday’s match.
Most of them suffered the attack when the referee overruled the goal scored by Victor Osimhen and awarded the Bafana Bafana a penalty following a foul committed by Eagles midfielder, Alhassan Yusuf, in the Nigerian 18-yard box in the build-up to Osimhen’s goal.
The list of the deceased include, former member of the House of Representatives, Dr Cairo Ojougboh, a sales representative, Mikail Osundiji, said to be working with Nestle Plc and Chief Osondu Nwoye, a resident of Abidjan who watched the match live in the stadium.
Others are: Deputy Bursar of Kwara State University, Malete, Alhaji Ayuba Abdullahi; and a Nigerian graduate and corps member named Samuel.
Reacting to the losses, Super Eagles via its X handle wrote, “During 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.”
The team prayed that the souls of the departed “find eternal peace, forever remembered for their love of football and the togetherness it brings. Rest in peace.”
The players also paid tribute to the departed fans with a video of them praying where the captain, Ahmed Musa said, “Yesterday we lost four good Nigerians because of the game and hold a minute silence ….they need our support right now and Insha Allah on Sunday we are going to lift that trophy for them.”
