Video Assistant Referees, VAR, who spotted Alhassan Yusuf’s infraction against the South African within the Super Eagles box probably did their job well.
But for Chief Osondu Nwoye, that VAR’s decision proved fatal.
VAR’s decision cancelled Victor Osimhen’s vital second goal against South Africa that would have sealed the game.
It also awarded a penalty to Nigeria in the dying minutes of the tension soaked encounter.
The decisions and their consequent reversal proved way too much for Chief Nwoye’s heart while watching the game.
He died.
Right in Bouake Stadium, venue of the Semi Final game between Nigeria, South Africa in the AFCON.
Chief Nwoye makes it the third prominent Nigerian to lose his life on account of the Nigeria South Africa game which Nigeria eventually won to qualify for the final of the AFCON against host nation, Cote d’Ivoire.
Earlier on Thursday, Cairo Ojugbo, top politician and former aide to ex President Goodluck Jonathan also died purportedly after watching the tension soaked match.
Until his death, Nwoye was considered the richest Igbo businessman based in Ivory Coast.
While Nigeria was caught in the euphoria of the semi final victory on Wednesday, into Thursday, Amanuike, his community in Anambra, South East Nigeria and indeed the Nigerian community in Cote d’Ivoire were thrown into mourning.
Sad.