Dr Joseph Kabungo, the Confederation of African Football’s Doping Officer for the game between Ghana and Nigeria, died after violence erupted at the end of the game in Abuja.
Dr. Joseph Kabungo, a Zambian medical practitioner, is said to have lost consciousness after being beaten and stepped on as fans tried to flee the stadium due to a stampede. His death was confirmed in a tweet by British-Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana 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.
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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.”
Collins Atta Poku, a Ghanaian sports journalist who was present at the time, also provided a detailed account of the tragic incident.
“They thrashed him, he fell, and they thronged him. He lost consciousness and was rushed to a closer ambulance to the Ghana dressing for CPR. The entire Ghanaian contingent stood by as resuscitation attempts with oxygen masks were made. He was later taken to the hospital, and now this. It’s unfortunate, “He responded to Osasu’s tweet.
CAF was yet to issue an official statement, but it is understood that the official’s family has been informed.
