As fans decked in green and white dance in the streets, we must heed a cautionary tale. While the highs of victory are electrifying, they can also mask the dangers of extreme emotion. Tragically, two lives were lost in the heat of the match, serving as a stark reminder that football isn’t just a game—it’s a matter of life and death.

Dr. Ojougboh, a seasoned politician and former Executive Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, was not only a prominent figure in Nigerian politics but also someone who, given his medical background, might have been expected to understand his own state of health and take necessary precautions. However, his sudden demise due to a massive heart attack while watching the match in Abuja serves as a stark reminder that health conditions can often catch even the most vigilant individuals off guard.

Despite his medical knowledge and presumably understanding his susceptibility to heart-related issues, Dr. Ojougboh found himself overtaken by the tension and excitement of the football match, leading to a tragic outcome. This serves as a poignant lesson that even those with expertise in healthcare can sometimes underestimate their own vulnerability to health crises, especially in moments of intense emotion and stress.

Likewise, a young NYSC member, Samuel from Kaduna State, collapsed during the tense penalty shootout, never to rise again.

The highs and lows of football are nothing new, but these incidents hit close to home, highlighting the need for caution amidst the euphoria. Football isn’t just a game; it’s a rollercoaster of emotions that can take a toll on even the strongest of hearts.

As we gear up for the finals, it’s time for Super Eagles fans to check themselves before they wreck themselves. Sure, the adrenaline rush of watching your team dominate on the pitch is unbeatable, but is it worth risking your health or even your life?

Take it from personal experience—I made the conscious choice to skip the semi-finals, opting instead for a leisurely stroll. Why? Because I knew the tension of the game could have dire consequences for my health. And I’m not alone. Many of us, young and old, find ourselves teetering on the edge of emotional overload when the stakes are high.

So, as we await the final, let’s celebrate responsibly. Let’s revel in the glory of the Super Eagles’ triumph, but let’s also remember to prioritize our health and well-being above all else. Whether you’re watching from the stands or the comfort of your living room, know your limits, and don’t be afraid to step back if the tensions become too much. If you know you’re prone to heart palpitations or anxiety attacks during nail-biting matches, it’s okay to sit this one out. Trust me, your health is way more important than any game.

As we countdown to the finals, let’s pledge to celebrate smartly, support our Super Eagles with all our hearts, and above all, take care of ourselves and each other. Victory tastes so much sweeter when it’s accompanied by good health and happiness.

Here’s to cheering on our Super Eagles to victory, but let’s make sure we’re still standing tall when the final whistle blows. It’s game on, Nigeria—let’s make this one count!

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, conveyed this sentiment while applauding the team for their impressive triumph over South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in the AFCON semifinals.

In a statement released from Abuja and signed by the Minister’s Special Assistant, Mr. Rabiu Ibrahim, Minister Idris reaffirmed the unwavering support of the nation and its government for the Super Eagles as they strive for success in the tournament.

“The entire nation rallies behind the Super Eagles as they prepare to make history and write their names in gold in African and global football.

“You carry the hopes and aspirations of the entire nation on your shoulders. Nigerians will continue to support and cheer the Super Eagles as they strive for greatness in the final match,” he said.

In the semifinals, the Minister commended the Super Eagles for displaying remarkable talent, determination, and teamwork throughout the match, showcasing the true spirit of Nigerian football, describing their performance as the ‘stuff of legends’.

According to him, through their indomitable spirit in pursuit of victory, the Super Eagles are inches away from clinching the coveted trophy for Nigeria.

This was contained in a press statement titled, ‘AFCON Qualifier: CAF bars media, journalists from Nigeria, Sierra Leone match’ by the Nigeria Football Federation’s spokesperson, Ademola Olajire on Monday.

The statement read in part, “The Confederation of African Football has categorically stated that no journalists or supporters would be allowed inside the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City for Friday’s 2022 AFCON qualifying match between the Super Eagles and the Leone Stars.

“In the guidelines communicated to the Nigeria Football Federation, CAF instructed, under Media Operations, that there would be no mixed zone, virtual press conference only if possible (media officers from both teams only), and that only the TV channels with the rights will be allowed flash interviews.

“Also, only photographers of participating teams would be allowed at the match.

“The above puts to rest all previous speculations regarding having spectators at the match venue, and whether members of the media would be allowed into the arena.”

The statement also quoted the NFF’s Director of Competitions, Bola Oyeyode, as saying that “only individuals accredited by the NFF would be allowed inside the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium for the Day 3 qualifier, which will kick off at 5pm Nigeria time.”

With seconds to go, Riyad Mahrez scored free kick from the edge of the box as Algeria defeated Nigeria 2-1.

Rohr told newsmen during a post – match interview that it was a game of two halves, adding however that Algeria were the better side at the end of the day .

He said “Until the last minute, Algeria had a better first half than us, but we came back a much better team in the second half. Unfortunately, we conceded a goal in the last minute. I think the players wanted to go to extra time believing that perhaps Algeria will get tired and we could win the match in extra time. It was a wonderful game . We lost it , so we are not happy. Congrats to the winners. They were the better team in the first half. We scored an own goal, we were unlucky but we came back like we have always done all the time in this tournament. When we found ourselves in a difficult situation, we always reacted and we did that also today coming back through a penalty and playing a better second half but a wonderful free – kick from a football genius made the difference. In our last game , we won in the last minute against South Africa and today we lost. That’s football, ”

In a statement signed by his Special Advisier on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President said with a well-deserved victory over the Bafana Bafana of South Africa, he believes, like millions of other sports-loving Nigerians, that the mission of having the trophy in our hands for the fourth time is almost accomplished for the high flying Eagles.

President Buhari assured the players that Nigerians are praying for them to fly higher and get to the peak of the tournament, knowing that the taste of victory is sweet and what they have achieved so far is pleasing to Nigerians irrespective of ethnic, religious or political inclination

The two players spent several hours with the CAF medical team before joining their colleagues at the Helnan Palestine Hotel beach resort .

The AFCON has not been known to record any positive dope test in its previous 31 editions.

Egypt, who are the host nation, lost 1-0 to an 85th-minute goal from Thembinkosi Lorch on Saturday.

Egypt Football Association president Hany Abo Rida announced the firing of the coach, and his own resignation, less than three hours after the game as a stunned host nation digested the defeat.

Many expected the Super Eagles to roll over the Swallows but this was a hard fought victory for the Eagles as players like Abdulrasak and Saido Beranhio, threaten the Eagles goal line from time to time but in the end it wasn’t enough.

Second half substitute Odion Ighalo scored the only goal of the match in the 77th minute, just few minutes after replacing Paul Onuachu, after latching onto Ola Aina’s wonderful back-heeled pass and coolly whipped the ball past Jonathan Nahimana.

Mahmoud Trezeguet scored the only goal, as he curled home four minutes before the interval to reward the Pharaohs for a dominant first-half display.

Zimbabwe did threaten late on after Egypt failed to capitalise on further chances but the home side held on.