The Confederation of African Football’s medical officer for the Nigeria vs Ghana 2022 World Cup second leg play-off at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Dr Joseph Kabungo, has died in Abuja.
It was gathered that the Zambian doctor slumped and died following the chaos at the National Stadium in Abuja after the Super Eagles lost to the Ghana Black Stars with away goals, losing their spot in the 2022 World Cup.
The British-Nigerian journalist, Osasu Obayiuwana, confirmed the sad news, stating that Kabungo suddenly collapsed and died.
“Sad news: I understand that an official for the @NGSuperEagles vs @GhanaBlackstars match (not a referee or assistant referee) died in #Abuja today.
“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.” Osasu Obayiuwana tweeted.
Meanwhile, a sports expert, Saddick Adams, claimed Kabungo had a cardiac arrest.
He tweeted, “A reliable CAF source tells me the death of the CAF Medical officer at the Moshood Abiola stadium last night was NOT related to the crowd violence.”
A report sent to the CAF team by the Game Control Department was quoted as reading in part, “Kabungo had a cardiac arrest when walking towards the team dressing rooms and collapsed on the floor.
“Both team doctors and other medical personnel administered CPR on him but after a while he was taken to hospital and that’s when the terrible news was confirmed.”
The deceased, a former Mufulira Wanderers goalkeeper, also once served as Chongwe and Siavonga District Chief Health Medical Officer.
GbExtra had reported that Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup finals billed for Qatar after the Super Eagles could only draw 1-1 with the Black Stars of Ghana on Tuesday.
