Super Eagles Players Honour Nigerians Who Died During Match With South Africa

A  video that has been circulating on the social media has captured how Nigeria’s Super Eagles players and their technical crew observed a one-minute silence in honour of Nigerians who lost their lives during the semi-final match with South Africa in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.

While offering  prayers for the repose of the souls of the dead, the Super Eagles reportedly pledged to honour the Nigerians, who lost their lives while watching the match, by winning the final match against Ivory Coast.

The team captain, Ahmed Musa led the ceremony for the observance to the dead.

Recall that the Super Eagles’ defeated Bafana Bafana of South Africa in a tense penalty shootout, securing their place in the AFCON final, but the honour was overshadowed by the heartbreaking news of the lives lost in the aftermath of the match.

Among the deceased were prominent figures such as Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, and Ayuba Abdullahi, the Deputy Bursar of Kwara State University, Malete.

Additionally, a corps member serving in Adamawa State, identified as Samuel, and businessman Osondu Nwoye from Anambra, based in Cote d’Ivoire, were among those who lost their lives. Mikail Osundiji, a sales representative with Nestle Nigeria in Ogun State, also tragically passed away.

The Super Eagles’ gesture of observing a moment of silence and honour to the dead serves as an important tribute to the lives lost, showing the deep sense of loss felt by the entire nation. Amidst the jubilation of the team’s success on the football field, the somber acknowledgment of the human cost of the victory reminds us of the fragility of life and the profound impact of tragic events on individuals and communities.

In the midst of celebration, the Super Eagles’ solemn tribute reflects a collective sense of grief and solidarity, uniting the nation in mourning and reflection.

Meanwhile, in a separate but related development, a Nigerian teacher, adorned in a Super Eagles jersey bearing the name “Fisayo” at the back, was greeted with a guard of honor formed by his students in the school where he teaches in South Africa.

The footage captures the teacher being surrounded by his enthusiastic students, who proudly salute him as he walks through the corridor. His pride in wearing the Super Eagles jersey is evident as he boasts of Nigeria’s victory, while his students cheer and hail him with admiration.