A doctor working at Nigeria’s World Cup play-off match against Ghana died shortly after the final whistle, it has been confirmed.
Dr Joseph Kabungo was employed as a doping officer for the tie in Abuja but passed away after what has been described as a suspected heart attack.
The news was announced by Dr Kabungo’s home association, the Zambian FA, on Wednesday morning.
FAZ president Andrew Kamanga said: “Today we mourn the passing of our CAF/Fifa medical officer Dr Joseph Kabungo who was on duty as a Doping officer in Tuesday’s match involving Nigeria and Ghana.
“And we extend our sincere condolences to Dr Kabungo’s family and the football family at large.
“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.
“His death is a huge loss as Dr Kabungo was a friend and confidant to many generations of players and their families.”
Nigeria Football Federation general secretary Mohammed Sanusi said Dr Kabungo was about to carry out a test on a player when he “was found gasping for breath near the dressing room of the Ghanaian team”.
“I was notified and ordered that he should be rushed to the hospital. He didn’t make it. He died just as they got to the hospital,” said Sanusi.
Nigeria suffered an away-goals defeat to Ghana as the Black Stars qualified for the World Cup in Qatar.
Following the game, fans stormed the pitch and clashed with police but there is currently no indication that the unrest in any way caused Dr Kabungo’s death. The medic had previously worked at the Africa Cup of Nations and Fifa Arab Cup.
“It is a great and sad loss to the COSAFA zone, Dr Kabungo was always giving of his time and his expertise,” COSAFA general secretary Sue Destombes said. “He was a fine human being and will be sorely missed by everyone in our region.”
