AFCON 2023: Kwara Varsity Deputy Bursar, Corps Member Die Watching Nigeria-South Africa Clash

The Deputy Bursar of Kwara State University Malete, Alhaji Ayuba Abdullahi, on Wednesday night, died while watching the semi-final game between Nigeria and South Africa in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Nigeria won the tie by 4-2 on penalties after 120 minutes of football that ended in stalemate.

Sources close to the deceased said Abdullahi went to a sports centre in the Sango area before he started feeling uneasy.

One of the sources said: “The Deputy Bursar watched the Nigeria/South Africa match from the beginning till the end of the extra time, till it was time for penalty shootout.

“He complained that he was feeling dizzy, so he said he needed to go back home and rest not knowing that his BP had gone up.

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

“He was buried on Thursday morning according to Islamic rites.”

The University’s Director of Information, Dr Saedat Aliyu, confirmed Abdullahi’s death.

Aliyu, however, stated that the cause of death was yet to be ascertained by the Management of the University.

“Yes, he died last night. He was hale and hearty and was full of life on Wednesday at his office. May Almighty Allah grant him Aljanah Firdaus,” she said.

A statement by the University said: “This is to announce the death of Mr. Ayuba Olaitan Abdullahi of the Bursary Department.

“Janazah will be held this morning, and his remains will be interred at the Hausa Muslim cemetery, Apata Yakuba, Oyun area, Ilorin, at 9 am.”

In the same vein, a member of the National Youth Service Corps serving in Adamawa State also reportedly died during the game.

The corps member identified only as Samuel from Kaduna State, allegedly passed away just before the final kick by Kelechi Iheanacho which secured Nigeria’s entry into the final of the tournament.