Super Eagles of Nigeria and officials have paid tributes to the persons who lost their lives during Wednesday’s dramatic Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final penalty shootout win over South Africa.
Led by captain Ahmed Musa, the Super Eagles observed a minute silence in honour of the deceased.
Musa said Nigeria will win the AFCON trophy as a homage to the people who lost their lives.
“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.” The captain of the Nigerian team, Ahmed Musa, said in a short video while calling for support for the deceased families.
No fewer than four persons died, Wednesday night while watching the semi-final match of which one was a former member of the House of Representatives, Cairo Ojougboh; High Chief Osondu Nwoye, an Igbo businessman based in Ivory Coast; deputy bursar of Kwara State University (KWASU) in Malete, Kwara, Ayuba Abdullahi and a 43-year-old Ogun resident Mikail Osundiji.
The video also showed the coach Jose Peseiro and members of his coaching staff holding a minute silence in their honour.
A short prayer led by Chidozie Awaziem also followed the tribute where the 27-year-old central defender who plays for Primeira Liga club Boavista asked for God’s protection of Nigerians who will watch the Sunday’s final between them and hosts Côte d’Ivoire.
They will aim to honour the memory of their fallen fans by lifting the AFCON trophy at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Ebimpe.