A politician believed to have been watching Nigeria's 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against South Africa reportedly died after suffering a heart attack following Bafana Bafana's late equaliser.
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The two African nations took part in an enthralling last-four encounter in the Ivory Coast on Wednesday, from which the Super Eagles emerged victorious.
A converted penalty from captain William Troost-Ekong in the second half handed Nigeria the lead, but his opening goal was cancelled out by Mamelodi Sundowns' Teboho Mokoena, who scored from the spot in the 90th minute to send the game to extra-time.
According to Nigerian outlet Punch, a Nigerian politician by the name of Dr. Cairo Ojougboh sadly passed away shortly after South Africa's equaliser.
The same story has been reported by The Nation, who quoted a source as saying: "The incident happened when the penalty was awarded against Nigeria. Dr Ojougboh was said to have shouted and slumped due to massive heart attack when SA scored."
It is unclear as to whether or not Ojougboh, a former member of the House of Representatives, was in attendance at the match in Bouake.
A statement confirming his passing is yet to have been issued by his family, but several tributes have poured in for the chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, including from Nigeria president Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
"It is with a heavy heart that President Bola Tinubu receives the news of the passing of Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, former Executive Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, who died on Wednesday," a statement on behalf of the president read.
"While praying for the peaceful repose of the departed, President Tinubu comforts his family and urges them to find strength and hope in God Almighty, who presides over the affairs of men, as well as in the cherished memories and legacy of the late APC chieftain."
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The Super Eagles will play host nation Ivory Coast in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday at 22:00.
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