A politician in Nigeria reportedly passed on after collapsing while watching the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 semi-final match between his native country and South Africa on February 7, 2024.
According to reports from a source close to the politician, Dr Cairo Ojougboh is said to have collapsed after South Africa scored an equalizer in the 90th minute during the AFCON clash.
“The incident happened when the penalty was awarded against Nigeria. Dr Ojougboh was said to have shouted and slumped due to massive heart attack when SA scored,” said the source.
Ojougboh, who worked as a medical doctor, is a former House of Representatives Member representing the Ika Federal Constituency of Nigerian state of Delta.
The Punch Newspaper said that Publicity Secretary of Agbor Community Union Augustine Ekamagule confirmed the tragic death.
Last Moments of the Politician
According to the President General of the Agbor Community Union, Chief Laurence Onyeche, Ojougboh died in Abuja while watching the football match of Nigeria vs South Africa.
Onyeche further said that a member of the deceased’s family called him around 3am on Thursday February 8, 2024, informing him that the famous politician had passed away.
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“All efforts to revive him were not fruitful. It was around that 3am when the family announced his death,” he added.
However, his family had not yet issued a statement on the death by press time.
Onyeche mourned the death of the state’s famous politician, saying that Agbor has lost a voice in Nigerian politics and a number one politician.
“On behalf of the PG and members of Agbor Community Union where the Ojougboh belongs, we sympathize with the family.
Nigeria vs South Africa
The must-win clash between the two countries took place at the Stade de la Pix de Bouake in Cote d’Ivoire on February 7, 2024.
Entering the game without previously losing a game, the Super Eagles maintained their impressive solid backline as they won the match after a penalty shoot-out following a 1-1 draw.
Also Read: South Africa Hits Back at Nigeria Over AFCON Advisory
Bafana Bafana on the other hand were making their first ever AFCON semi-final appearance since the year 2000.
They scored the equalizing goal through a penalty kick in the 90th minute to send the game into extra time.
The South Africa Premier Soccer League (PSL) made an impressive record as it showcased the highest number of domestic players at the 2023 AFCON tournament.
Close to 30 players from South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, Ghana, Nigeria, and even the host country, Ivory Coast who play in the PSL league were part of the tournament.
In the other semifinal match, hosts Ivory Coast knocked out DR Congo, setting up an all-West-African final to be played on February 11,2024.
