The Super Eagles have observed some moments of silence for Nigerians who died during the tension soaked African Cup of Nations semi-final clash against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.
Five Nigerians are reported dead including former House of Reps member Cairo Ojougboh, deputy registrar Kwara State University Ayuba Abdullahi and Sports philanthropist Chief Osundu Nwoye who slumped at the Bouake Stadium and died later today in the hospital.
Ahmed Musa, speaking for the team expressed their heart felt condolences to the families of the departed fans promising that team will strive to win the trophy on Sunday when they play against hosts Cote D’Ivoire in the final.
The Super Eagles survived a first half of siege by the South Africans, but went ahead in the 67the minute with spot kick by William Troost-Ekong, after Victor Osimhen was fouled.
Just when Nigerians thought that they have wrapped the match after Osimhen tapped in from a cross by Ademola Lookman, VAR killed their joy, cancelled the goal and awarded a penalty against Nigeria. Alhassan Yusuf was judged to have committed a foul and the South Africans leveled up, dragging the game into extra time.
It was a this junction Ojougboh and Nwoye slumped and never recovered from the shock.
Nwoye reportedly promised to host the Super Eagles after the match against South Africa, but he never lived to fulfill his promise.
