Nigeria vs South Africa: APC Chieftain Cairo Ojougboh Dies Watching Intense AFCON Semi Final

Nigeria vs South Africa: APC Chieftain Cairo Ojougboh Dies Watching Intense AFCON Semi Final

Babajide Orevba
updated at February 8, 2024 at 10:48 AM
In this article:
CAF Africa Cup of Nations logo
CAF AFCON
Africa
Nigeria logo
Nigeria
Nigeria
21
South Africa logo
South Africa
South Africa
27
  • Nigeria vs South Africa ended in victory for the Super Eagles, who won after a penalty shootout
  • The Super Eagles are through to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations and will meet Ivory Coast
  • A Nigerian politician was said to have passed away while watching the intense semi-final game

Cairo Ojougboh, a former member of the House of Representatives who represented the Ika Federal Constituency of Delta State, has passed away.

It is believed the politician collapsed on Wednesday while watching the intense Africa Cup of Nations semi-final clash between Nigeria and South Africa.

The nerve-wracking encounter saw both teams battle pound-for-pound, matching each other in all departments, as tension rose among supporters.

Cairo Ojougboh, Nigeria, South Africa, AFCON 2023
Cairo Ojougboh, a politician, passed away while watching the AFCON 2023 semi-final clash between Nigeria and South Africa. Photo: @atiku.
Source: Twitter

At half-time, it was 0-0, but the Super Eagles stand-in captain, William Troost-Ekong, opened the scoring from the spot in the 67th minute, shortly after Victor Osimhen was brought down in the box.

However, back home, it has been reported that Cairo Ojougboh lost consciousness while watching the game. A source close to the politician said, as per the Punch:

"Cairo Ojougboh, a medical doctor, died during the Nigeria vs South Africa match. The incident happened when the penalty was awarded against Nigeria. Dr Ojougboh was said to have shouted and slumped due to a massive heart attack when SA scored."

Nigeria would have confirmed victory during regulation time, but Ademola Lookman fluffed a chance in the 83rd minute after attempting to go around the goalkeeper, with his effort thwarted.

Minutes later, Osimhen thought he had sealed the victory when he tapped in from close range, but amid the celebrations, the VAR summoned the referee to the screen.

South Africa were then awarded a penalty for an initial foul in the box, ruling out the Napoli striker's goal. Teboho Mokena stepped up and slotted home to make it 1-1, forcing the tie into extra-time.

Nigeria would go on to win the game as the penalty shoot-out ended 4-2 in favour of the Super Eagles.

Vincent Enyeama hails Nwabali

Sports Brief earlier reported that esteemed Super Eagles icon and the hero of AFCON 2013, Vincent Enyeama lauded Nigeria goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, on social media.

The 41-year-old shared a congratulatory post on his Instagram account, applauding the Nigerian team and singling out the shot-stopper for his remarkable performance.

Revered as one of Nigeria's finest goalkeepers in football history, Enyeama played a pivotal role in the Super Eagles' previous AFCON title triumph in South Africa in 2013.

Authors
Babajide Orevba photo
Babajide Orevba
Babajide Orevba is a CAF accredited Nigerian journalist and HOD of the Local Desk with over 10 years of experience in media landscape.He studied NCE Political Science/Social Studies, AOCOED.