APC Chieftain Cairo Ojougboh Dies watching AFCON Match between Nigeria and SA

Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, a former member of the House of Representatives who represented the Ika Federal Constituency of Delta State and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), passed away while watching the AFCON 2023 semi-final match between Nigeria and South Africa. 

The incident reportedly happened when a penalty was awarded against Nigeria. Dr. Ojougboh was said to have shouted and slumped due to a massive heart attack when South Africa scored. His family has yet to state his death.

President Bola Tinubu has mourned Dr Cairo Ojougboh, a former House of Representatives member, who represented the Ika federal constituency of Delta State, is dead.

Ojougboh, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), reportedly passed away during the Nigeria versus South Africa match, on Wednesday.

According to reports, the tragic incident happened when a penalty was awarded against Nigeria in the 88th minute of the game.

He was said to have shouted and slumped due to a massive heart attack when the Bafana Bafana scored.

“He was said to be watching the live match yesterday. When a penalty was awarded against Nigeria, Dr. Ojougboh was reported to have screamed, and then collapsed,” a source said.

Daily Trust reports that Nigeria defeated South Africa on penalties in the semi-final at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake.

Both teams played out a one-all draw through the regular period and extra time before the Eagles triumphed 4-2 in the penalty shootout.

The match was a record 15th semi-final AFCON semi-final appearance for the Super Eagles, and it was a nervy encounter that pushed them to the

Victor Osimhen was only announced fit on the eve of the match after suffering abdominal discomfort.

However, another injury forced Jose Peseiro, Super Eagles head coach, to make a change to his regular starting line-up. Bright Osayi-Samuel came in for injured Zaidu Sanusi at the back.

Meanwhile, in his statement, Tinubu said he received the news of the passing of Ojougboh, former Executive Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), with a heavy heart.

The president, in a statement by his spokesman Chief Ajuri Ngelale, condoled with the Ojougboh family and the government and people of Delta State over what he called “the tragic loss”.

While praying for the peaceful repose of the departed, President Tinubu comforted his family.

He urged them to find strength and hope in God Almighty, who presides over the affairs of men, as well as in the cherished memories and legacy of the late APC chieftain.

The deceased was the Akinuwa of Agbor Kingdom in Ika Local Government Area of Delta.