A businessman, born in Anambra State, Chief Osondu Nwoye, from Amanuke, Awka North Local Government Area but a resident of Abidjan has been reported dead while watching the Nigeria vs South Africa semi-final match on Wednesday.
The deceased was said to have died after the Super Eagles of Nigeria’s second goal was disallowed, leading to a penalty for Bafana Bafana, which led to the equaliser.
This was made known through a social media post by a blogger, Chukwudi Izuchukwu.
The post read: “Supreme Chief Osondu Nwoye was the richest Igbo businessman based in Cote d’Ivoire before yesterday but what the late Anambra born billionaire did not see coming watching his beloved Super Eagles play in Cote d’Ivoire yesterday, where he lives and runs. his job, was that the match would cost him his life.
“Yesterday at this time, High Chief Osondu was still alive, evil and hearty.
“He traveled to Bouake, the city that hosted the Super Eagles match yesterday, to watch his beloved Super Eagles play.
“He loves football and is a patriot for his country.
“According to eyewitnesses, the Supreme Leader was over the moon, shouting at the top of his voice, when Victor Osimen scored the second goal, which was later disallowed by VAR.
“Perhaps the shock of seeing the goal disallowed and the penalty awarded to South Africa was too much for his fragile heart, which promptly failed, causing the Supreme Leader to collapse on the pitch.
“All efforts to revive him failed as he was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead.
“While the entire country was rejoicing yesterday, the people of Amanuike community in Anambra State, where he hails from, were mourning.
“They have just lost a prominent man, the richest man in the community, who was the iroko who provided shelter, shade and help to many in this community.”
The statement added: “During his lifetime, his title name was Nwachinemelu of Amanuike.
“His immediate family is also grieving. They have just lost a friend, a father and a benefactor.
“A reminder to the rest of us who suffer from underlying illnesses like high blood pressure to stay away from watching Super Eagles matches that are infused with tension.
“At the end of the day, it’s not worth it. Because the late Chief was not extreme, many people fell to their deaths watching the match yesterday, and that includes a youth service corps serving in Adamawa.
“The other side of watching football, which we don’t discuss well enough,
“May their souls rest in peace.”