Nigerian Fans Cause Riots After Their Country Was Eliminated By Ghana From The 2022 World Cup, One Match Official Reportedly Died

Dr Joseph Kabungo reportedly died after the match Nigeria versus Ghana in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers for the African zone. (Doc. Council of Southern Africa Football Associations official website)

JAKARTA - A Nigeria vs Ghana match official has reportedly died. However, the cause of the death of the medical officer, Dr. Joseph Kabungo, has not been officially disclosed.

Kabungo acted as a doping agent in a match that ended in rioting as Nigerian fans stepped onto the pitch. He is a medical officer for the Arctic Football Confederation (CAF) as well as the World Football Federation (FIFA).

The news of Kabungo's death was first conveyed by the President of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), Andrew Kamanga.

"Today we mourn the passing of CAF/FIFA medical officer Dr. Joseph Kabungo who served as a doping officer in Tuesday's match involving Nigeria and Ghana, and we extend our written condolences to Dr. Kabungo's family and the football family," Andrew said in a statement. as reported by the Daily Star.

"We consider it too early to think about the cause of his death but will await full reports from CAF and FIFA on what happened."

Nigeria versus Ghana match, Tuesday, March 30 local time, became chaotic after Thomas Partey scored a goal against the host. The goal ensured Nigeria's elimination from the 2022 World Cup.

Nigerian fans, who saw their country fail to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 16 years, became anarchic by taking to the pitch and rioting.

Tear gas was fired onto the pitch as angry Nigerian fans destroyed the dugout and other parts of the Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

The Daily Star reports that Ghana fans have also been targeted by Nigerian fans. The police stepped in to deal with the chaos.