A tragic incident unfolded as a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member named Samuel reportedly collapsed and lost his life during the penalty shootout stage of the semi-final match between Nigeria and South Africa in the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON). Samuel, originally from Kaduna State, was fulfilling his mandatory one-year national youth service in Adamawa State.
The unfortunate event occurred at a sports viewing center in Numan, Adamawa State, where Samuel was engrossed in the thrilling match. Eyewitnesses disclosed that the young corper slumped just before the crucial kick that secured Nigeria’s progress to the final of the AFCON. Shockingly, he fainted before the winning goal was scored, leading to his tragic demise.
News of the incident circulated on social media, with an eyewitness sharing the heartbreaking details:
“We lost one Nigerian during our victory celebration over South Africa today at our sports viewing center here in Numan. The corps member who is serving in Numan from Kaduna fainted before the kick of the winning goal. He died before they could reach the hospital. May his soul rest in peace.”
NYSC Coordinator in Adamawa State, Jingi Dennis, confirmed the devastating incident on Thursday morning:
“I received the news of his death last night. I hope to have more details today. According to his colleagues who went with him to watch the match, the late corps member told them that he didn’t like watching penalty shootouts. He then bowed his head and all of a sudden, he collapsed. He was confirmed dead at the General Hospital in Numan by the doctor,” Coordinator Jingi Dennis said.