March 30, (THEWILL) – An unfortunate set of events at the second leg playoffs for World Cup qualification between Nigeria and ghana in Abuja, have allegedly led to the death of Confederation of Africa Football’s doping doctor from Zambia, Dr Joseph Kabungo.
Kabungo was said to have died immediately after Ghana eliminated Nigeria from qualifying for the 2022 World Cup on Tuesday, although the exact circumstances that resulted in his demise are yet unknown.
According to some accounts, Kabungo died in a stampede at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium prior to the start of the match. But, another account claimed the doctor died during the pitch invasion by local fans after the game.
The doctor’s death was confirmed when he was brought to the hospital, according to Osasu Obayiuwana, a British-Nigerian journalist.
“Sad news: I understand that an official for the
@NGSuperEagles vs @GhanaBlackstars
match (not a referee or assistant referee) died in #Abuja today, ” Obayiuwana tweeted.
“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.
“If the death of #Zambian doctor Dr Joseph Kabungo at the #Abuja stadium was caused by being attacked by the #Nigerian fans, who invaded the pitch, after the @NGSuperEagles lost the @FIFAWorldCup ticket to @GhanaBlackstars, @thenff would be in terrible trouble with @FIFAcom.”
One of the accounts of Kabungo’s death came from Collins Atta Poku, a Ghanaian sports journalist, who was also present at the stadium. Poku claimed that the doctor was killed. In response to the tweets from bunk Obayiuwana, Poku claimed the Nigerian fans had a direct hand in Kabungo’s death:
“They beat him, he fell and they throded on him. He lost consciousness was rushed to an ambulance closer to the Ghana dressing room 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.”
Although Kabungo’s death and the circumstances surrounding it have yet to be confirmed by officials from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), it was learnt that Kabungo’s family, the Zambia Football Association (ZFA), and the Zambian government had been notified.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
