The Confederation of African Football has mourned one of its officials, Joseph Kabungo, who died amid mayhem after a World Cup play-off between Nigeria and Ghana in Abuja.
The Nigerian Football Federation had clarified Kabungo died from suspected cardiac arrest at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja after Nigerian supporters stormed the pitch following their country’s elimination by Ghana on Tuesday.
Nigerian security forces fired tear gas to disperse hundreds of angry Nigerian fans who went on a rampage after Ghana drew 1-1 to win on away goals and qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Benches were smashed and some fans chanted “Pinnick must go! Pinnick must go!”, referring to Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick.
NFF said Kabungo was found reportedly gasping for breath near the Ghana dressing room while seeking a player from the team for a doping test.
Efforts to resuscitate the Zambian failed and he was pronounced dead after being taken to a hospital.
However, CAF in a statement on Wednesday did not make reference to the riot by the Nigerian fans.
The statement read, “CAF is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Zambian medical doctor and CAF Doping Officer, Dr Joseph Kabungo.
“CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe and the CAF family convey deepest condolences to the family of Dr Kabungo and Football Association Zambia.
Dr Kabungo, a Zambian, passed on while he was on duty as a FIFA Doping Officer at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ qualifier match between Nigeria and Ghana in Abuja, Nigeria on Tuesday night, 29 March 2022.
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