A former member of the House of Representatives, Chief Dr Cairo Ojougboh is dead while watching the semi-final match between Nigeria and South Africa.
The chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, who represented Ika federal constituency between 2003 and 2007, reportedly slumped and died after South Africa converted a penalty kick in the 90th minute after a VAR review.
However, the Super Eagles went on to win the game 4-2 during Penalty shootouts after 120 minutes of pulsating encounter.
TheLeadng reports that Nigeria secured a momentous victory over South Africa, propelling them into the finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in a thrilling match that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Nigeria took the lead in the second half when captain William Troost-Ekong converted a spot kick won by talisman Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen thought he had rounded out his fine performance with a late tap-in but a VAR check caused incredible drama in Bouake. The Napoli star’s strike was ruled out and South Africa were awarded a penalty following substitute Alhassan Yusuf’s rash challenge.
Teboho Mokoena duly dispatched and set up some nervy closing stages for Nigeria, who clung on before an end-to-end extra-time period. Grant Kekana was sent off late on for South Africa after another VAR check, with penalties ultimately needed to separate the two sides.
“The APC Chieftain died while watching the football Match between Nigeria and South Africa on Wednesday.
“He was said to be watching the live match yesterday. In the course of the match, a penalty was awarded against Nigeria. And as soon as the South Africa team scored against Nigeria, Dr. Ojougboh was reported to have screamed, and then collapsed. Sadly, he passed on. May His soul Rest in Peace,” a source disclosed.
Another source adds: “the fearless and outspoken politician, Chief (Dr) Cairo Ojougboh, an APC chieftain died while watching the AFCON semi final match between Nigeria and South Africa.
“As soon as a penalty kick was awarded against Nigeria during the AFCON match with South Africa on Wednesday’s semi-final clash in Bouake, Ivory coast, he slumped”.
