Caf doctor Kabungo dies after stadium stampede
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has confirmed the passing of Confederation of Africa Football (Caf) doctor and Zambian national Joseph Kabungo during the 2022 World Cup play-off fixture between Nigeria and Ghana on Tuesday.
The two West African giants went head-to-head in the return battle, and it was the Black Stars of Ghana who progressed on the away goals’ rule after managing a 1-1 draw at MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
“The Football Association of Zambia joins the rest of the football family in mourning the late Dr Joseph Kabungo,” read part of the statement from the Zambia FA.
“Dr. Kabungo, a Caf/Fifa medical officer, was on duty in Abuja for the second-leg, final qualifying match between Nigeria and Ghana that ended 1-1.”
“We take note that it is too early to dwell into the nitty-gritty of the cause of his death, but will wait for the full
report from Caf and Fifa on what exactly transpired. He was a dedicated and widely loved member of our football community and his impact was vast, having also been part of the 2012 Africa Cupwinning team. His death is a huge loss, as Dr Kabungo was a friend and confidant to many generations of players and their families.
Nigerian security forces fired tear gas to disperse hundreds of angry fans who stormed the pitch and went on a rampage after Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. Outraged supporters flooded the field of the soldout 60 000 capacity stadium in the capital.
Some of the fans smashed benches, while others chanted “Pinnick must go! Pinnick must go!!”, referring to the president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick.
Tuesday’s match marked the first time since October 2011 that the Nigerian football team played in the MKO Abiola stadium, which underwent about one-million-dollar renovations, spearheaded by Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote.