A Former Presidential Aspirant who is also the Chief Medical Director of Sckye Hospital, Akure, Dr Thomas-Wilson Ikubese, has warned Super Eagles fans and Nigerians at large who are having heart conditions and emotional should not watch the Sunday’s Final match of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) between Nigeria and the host, Elephants of Cote D’ivoire.
In a Statement issued following the deaths of some Nigerian fans during the Semi final match between Eagles and South Africa, Dr Ikubese said “I herein admonish that those who are highly emotional and with heart conditions should be mindful of the AFCON grand finale coming up on Sunday 11th February, between Nigeria and host Cote D’Ivoire.
“I will counsel that this category of persons should not watch the live transmission of the match. If they must do however, they should deliberately engage diversionary therapy as to minimize their systemic reactions to the activities therein,” the Medical Doctor cautioned.
Below is the full text of the Press Release;
CONDOLENCES AND ADMONITION
Yesterday during the semi-final match between Nigeria and South Africa at the on-going African Cup Of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Cote D’Ivoire, four Nigerians were reported to have lost their lives.
Former House of Representatives member and former Executive Director of NDDC, Delta-born Cairo Ojougboh and Anambra-born billionaire, High Chief Osondu Nwoye, one of the richest Igbo businessman based in Ivory Coast were among those who lost their lives.
The moment the referee visited the VAR, cancelled the Nigerian goal by Victor Osimen and awarded penalty against Nigeria, these two, like many other Nigerians started screaming in anger and frustration. When the kick was eventually taken and South Africa scored, they slumped and died!
The two other deceased were a member of the National Youth Service Corps serving in Adamawa State identified simply as Samuel, from Kaduna State and the Deputy Bursar of Kwara State University Malete, Alhaji Ayuba Abdullahi both of whom slumped and died during the terminal penalty kicks.
I condole with the family of those who lost their loved ones during that tension-soaked match and pray that Almighty God grants them the fortitude to bear the loss.
I herein admonish that those who are highly emotional and with heart conditions should be mindful of the AFCON grand finale coming up on Sunday 11th February, between Nigeria and host Cote D’Ivoire.
I will counsel that this category of persons should not watch the live transmission of the match. If they must do however, they should deliberately engage diversionary therapy as to minimize their systemic reactions to the activities therein.
They can pick up their phones and be engaged therein while watching the match and deliberately play down their emotions, acting like the outcome of the match is of no consequence to them. On no account should they scream or jump up. If in spite of all these, they yet begin to feel uncomfortable, they should quit watching.
If they are not sure of conducting themselves with such level of decorum, they should boycott the live transmission and watch the highlights thereafter.
I congratulate the Super Eagles for their outstanding performances thus far and wish them the best in the grand finale. I urge them to go all out on Sunday, play like never before and bring home the trophy, that Nigerians may have something to cheer about in these hard times.
God bless Nigeria
Thomas-Wilson Ikubese
8th February, 2024
