By Boris Esono Nwenfor
Sports Writer, kick442.com-Cameroon
The longest-serving member of the CAF Medical Committee, Dr Joseph Kabungo was on duty in Abuja for the second leg encounter between Nigeria and Ghana this March 29, which ended 1-1 but Ghana went through to the Qatar World Cup on the away goal rule.
After the referee’s final whistle, Super Eagles fans streaked onto the pitch and started wreaking havoc. Videos circulating online shows the Nigerian fans throwing chairs, destroying the dugouts and breaking through the barriers around the inner perimeter at the MKO Abiola stadium. Police officers are said to have used teargas to disperse the irate supporters.
A stampede is said to have occurred according to media reports where Dr Kabungo, who was the doping officer in the encounter is said to have lost his life. Official confirmation of the death or real cause of the demise of Dr Kabungo is yet to be made public.
Dr Joseph Kabungo, a Zambian medical practitioner, is reported that have lost consciousness and collapsed while heading to the doping room.
“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 (March 29),” British-Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana wrote on his Twitter account as confirmed by Sports Brief.
“Update: His name is Dr Joseph Kabungo from Zambia. He was on duty as a Doping officer. He collapsed suddenly and died. The cause of death is not confirmed yet. His family, the Zambia FA and the government of Zambia have been duly informed.”
Replying to Obayiuwana’s tweet, Collins Atta Poku, a Ghanian journalist stated: “They beat him, he fell and they threaded on him. He lost consciousness was rushed to an ambulance closer to the Ghana dressing room for CPR. The entire Ghanaian contingent watched on as resuscitation attempts were made with oxygen masks. He was taken to hospital later and now this. Sad.”
Nigeria is said to be on course for punishment from the Confederation of African Football, CAF, as pitch invasion and violence is greatly prohibited. The extent of the punishment is not clear as some speculate that they will be fine and a possible stadium, ban.
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