Sad Day in Football As Thunder Fires Top Nigerian Referee to Death on the Pitch While Officiating

• Nigerian referee Mustapha Bello died on Wednesday evening, June 14
• The 40-year-old was reported to have been struck to death by thunder
• Bello was among the referees that officiated last season in the Nigerian League

Nigeria's football fraternity has been thrown into deep mourning following the tragic and untimely death of referee Mustapha Bello who was struck to death by thunder while officiating a match.

The heartbreaking incident occurred on Wednesday evening, June 14, at the pitch of the Community Primary and Secondary School in Madalla town, Niger State.

Mustapha Bello was officiating the match between students from Madalla and Suleja when he was hit by lightning and passed away immediately with fans and people in the stands shocked.

According to reports on Pulse and Best Choice, the incident happened after the first 45 minutes of the game.

Was it rainy at the venue?

The reports added that rain only started when the match was 35 minutes in, and it was not that intense before the ugly incident happened to the referee.

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NBA

It has also been gathered that Mustapha Bello was buried later on Wednesday evening after his family members got confirmation from the doctors that he had passed.

Sports Brief spoke with Niger Tornadoes coach, Abubakar Bala, who explained that he was shocked when he was called about the incident.

Bala speaks about Bello's death

''I was driving home from a supermarket when my Personal Assistant called me to inform me about what happened which was unfortunate and unusual. The only thing is just for us to pray that God should give him eternal rest.''

Former Super Falcons coach dies

Earlier, Sports Brief had reported how former Super Falcons coach Mabo Ismaila died on Monday morning, March 12.

Ismaila was the head coach of Nigeria's women's national team at the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup, 2000 Summer Olympics, and 2004 Summer Olympics.

He was said to have battled against sickness for months before passing on at the age of 80 leaving wives, children, and grandchildren behind.

During his active coaching career, Ismaila was one of the best grassroots coaches in Nigeria considering the number of players who have passed through him.