A Nigerian referee identified as Mustafa Coach 02, has reportedly died on the pitch during a friendly football match in Madalla town, Niger State.
The deceased was said to be a member of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).
The tragic incident occurred on Tuesday evening during the match played in Madalla, Niger State, on the community’s school field.
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An eyewitness, Muhammed Musa, reported that the match, in which Suleja and Madalla youths participated, was on half time break around 5:20 pm when the incident happened.
The cause of death has not been officially confirmed, but it was believed that the thunder strikes may have played a role.
Reports held that the match was disrupted by heavy rainfall followed by thunder strikes.
The Nigerian Football Federation, NFF has expressed its condolences to the family of the deceased and has promised to investigate the incident.
The NFF also urged all football associations to take safety measures seriously and ensure that matches were not played during dangerous weather conditions.
A family member of the deceased, who simply gave his name as Ibrahim, said the late referee was buried Wednesday morning in Suleja town where he lived.
A statement read:
“It was raining and all the footballers along with their fans were taken refuge inside the school’s classrooms. The referee along with his assistant (line man) rushed back to the field, demanding the players to join them.
“They were only at the centre of the pitch when the thunder struck. Two of them were rushed to a hospital, where Sulaiman was confirmed dead on arrival while his assistant was revived.”
