According to Sahara Reporters, the joyous victory of Nigeria over South Africa in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament took a tragic turn as it claimed the life of Alhaji Ayuba Olaitan Abdullahi, the Deputy Bursar of Kwara State University (KWASU) Malete. Alhaji Ayuba Olaitan Abdullahi passed away on Wednesday evening while watching the tension-soaked semi-final match.
According to reports gathered by Vanguard, the intense atmosphere of the match proved to be too much for the Deputy Bursar, as it triggered his blood pressure beyond safe levels. Unbeknownst to him, as the match reached its critical stages, his health began to deteriorate.
Nigeria emerged victorious in the closely contested match against South Africa, winning 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in extra time. Alhaji Ayuba Olaitan Abdullahi had gone to watch the match at a sports center in the Sango area of Ilorin, close to his residence, where the unfortunate incident occurred.
Witnesses revealed that Alhaji Ayuba Olaitan Abdullahi watched the match until the end of extra time, but as the penalty shootout commenced, he complained of feeling dizzy. He decided to return home to rest, unaware of the severity of his condition.
Upon reaching home, he collapsed, prompting his family to rush him to a nearby private hospital. Despite efforts to save him, he was later referred to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), where he tragically passed away.
The Deputy Bursar was laid to rest on Thursday morning in accordance with Islamic rites. Dr. Saedat Aliyu, the Director of Information at KWASU, confirmed the heartbreaking news of Alhaji Ayuba Olaitan Abdullahi’s passing, stating that he was in good health when he arrived at work on Wednesday.