The Confederation of African Football’s Doping Officer for the game between Ghana and Nigeria, Dr Joseph Kabungo, has died after violence erupted at the end of the match in Abuja.
Dr Joseph Kabungo, a Zambian medical practitioner, is reported that have lost consciousness after he was beaten and stepped on as fans try to make their way out of the stadium due to stampede. In a post on Twitter by British-Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, his death was confirmed after he was rushed to the hospital.
“Sad news: I understand that an official for the Super Eagles of Nigeria v Ghana Black Stars match (not a referee or assistant referee) died in Abuja today,” he wrote in an early tweet.
He then added: “Update: His name is Dr Joseph Kabungo from Zambia. He was on duty as Doping officer. He collapsed suddenly and died. Cause of death not confirmed yet. His family, the Zambia FA and the government of Zambia have been duly informed.”
A Ghanaian sports journalist, Collins Atta Poku, who was at the venue also gave a vivid account of the sad incident.
“They beat him, he fell and they throded on him. He lost consciousness was rushed to an ambulance closer to the Ghana dressing for CPR. The entire Ghanaian contingent watched on as resuscitation attempts were made with oxygen mask. He was taken to hospital later and now this. Sad,” he replied Osasu’s tweet.
CAF is yet to release an official statement but it is understood the family of the official have been noted.
