Percy Onyeka
President Bola Tinubu has expressed his condolences on the passing of Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, a former member of the House of Representatives who served Delta State’s Ika federal seat.
Ojougboh, a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), allegedly passed away on Wednesday during the game between South Africa and Nigeria.
The sad incident reportedly occurred in the 88th minute of play when Nigeria was handed a penalty.
He was said to have shouted and slumped due to a massive heart attack when the Bafana Bafana scored.
“He was said to be watching the live match yesterday. When a penalty was awarded against Nigeria, Dr. Ojougboh was reported to have screamed, and then collapsed,” a source said.
It’s in reports that Nigeria defeated South Africa on penalties in the semi-final at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake.
Both teams played out a one-all draw through the regular period and extra time before the Eagles triumphed 4-2 in the penalty shootout.
The match was a record 15th semi-final AFCON semi-final appearance for the Super Eagles, and it was a nervy encounter that pushed them to the
Victor Osimhen was only announced fit on the eve of the match after suffering abdominal discomfort.
However, another injury forced Jose Peseiro, Super Eagles head coach, to make a change to his regular starting line-up. Bright Osayi-Samuel came in for injured Zaidu Sanusi at the back.
Meanwhile, in his statement, Tinubu said he received the news of the passing of Ojougboh, former Executive Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), with a heavy heart.
The president, in a statement by his spokesman Chief Ajuri Ngelale, condoled with the Ojougboh family and the government and people of Delta State over what he called “the tragic loss”.
While praying for the peaceful repose of the departed, President Tinubu comforted his family.
He exhorted them to draw courage and hope from the memory and legacy of the late APC chieftain as well as from God Almighty, who is in charge of human affairs.
The Akinuwa of Agbor Kingdom in Delta’s Ika Local Government Area were the deceased.
Techrectory with Agency Report
