Sports

Nigeria in serious trouble as CAF doctor dies after 1-1 draw with Ghana

Published

1 year ago

March 30, 2022

Nigeria could be in serious trouble with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and world football governing body, FIFA, as a Zambian medical doctor, Joseph Kabungo, slumped and died following fans rampage at the MKO Stadium in Abuja, after a 1-1 draw in the Nigeria-Ghana 2022 FIFA World Cup playoff game on Tuesday.

Kabungo who was CAF’s doping control officer for the Super Eagles and Black Stars game, died after violence erupted at the end of the match.

Though the circumstances surrounding Kabungo’s death are still shrouded in mystery, especially the state of his health prior to the stadium invasion, it is expected that CAF and FIFA will descend heavily on Nigeria with sanctions and fines in the coming days.

Hours after the unfortunate incident, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and officials from CAF have yet to issue statements on the circumstances that led to Kabungo’s death but the Zambia FA has confirmed his death, saying both his family and the Zambian government have been informed.

A Zambian journalist with Supersport, Matimba Nkonje, who confirmed the death of Kabungo on Twitter, said the medical doctor died following the fracas that ensued when the Nigerian fans rioted at the end of the drab match.

AFCON 2012 Chipolopolo winning squad Team Doctor, Dr. Joseph Kabungo died last night in Nigeria after the Nigeria vs Ghana World Cup qualifier where he was the CAF doping Officer following some fracas that ensued after the match where fans ran riot.Doc go well. MYSRIEP pic.twitter.com/83xwYgir6B

— Matimba Nkonje (@Ama1010Zambia) March 30, 2022

Also, a Nigerian journalist with BBC, Osasu Obayiuwana, tweeted:

“Sad news: I understand that an official for the @NGSuperEagles vs @GhanaBlackstars match (not a referee or assistant referee) died in #Abuja today.

“His name is Dr Joseph Kabungo from Zambia. He was on duty as Doping officer. He collapsed suddenly and died. Cause of death not confirmed yet. His family, the Zambia FA and the government of Zambia have been duly informed.

IF the death of #Zambian doctor Dr Joseph Kabungo at the #Abuja stadium was caused by being attacked by the #Nigerian fans who invaded the pitch, after the @NGSuperEagles lost the @FIFAWorldCup ticket to @GhanaBlackstars, @thenff would be in terrible trouble with @FIFAcom.

— Osasu Obayiuwana (@osasuo) March 30, 2022

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Sports

Senegal football federation suspends all football activities after deadly protests

Published

19 hours ago

June 9, 2023

Akanimoh Etim

Following a spate of violent protests which has led to the death of over 23 people, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has suspended all domestic football until further notice.

The violence which broke out last week engulfing several cities in the West African country was sparked after a Dakar court sentenced main opposition leader, Ousmane Sonko to a two-year prison term on charges of “corrupting the youths.”

Following days of violence which saw security forces clash with protesters, leading to deaths and destruction of government properties and public utilities, the football federation decided to suspend all football activities due to security concerns.

A statement by the FSF on Friday, said:

“All football competitions are suspended until further notice throughout the national territory.”

The FSF statement added that the decision was the result of a government order which mandated that several public activities should be put on hold.

The statement noted that the suspension did not affect the national team, the Terenga Lions which is the reigning African champions after defeating Egypt in the final of the last AFCON.

The Terenga Lions have a date with Benin Republic in the 2024 AFCON qualifying match on June 17.

Sports

Players’ union warns African players to steer clear of Egypt’s football clubs

Published

2 days ago

June 8, 2023

Akanimoh Etim

International football players’ union, FIFPRO, has warned African footballers against signing with clubs in the Egyptian league, following allegations of slavery and harsh working conditions.

The FIFPRO warning is coming after a report emerged of a “disturbing rise in labour conflicts involving issues such as non-payment of salaries and abusive behaviour within the Egyptian football scene.”

The Egyptian league is one of the top leagues in Africa with lots of African players, especially Nigerian players who have made the north African country a sort of footballing mecca.

According to the report, there are around 30 Nigerian players plying their trade in the Egyptian league, with many of them often complaining of withheld or delayed salaries.

The likes of Emeka Eze and Anthony Okpotu are currently plying their trade with Al Masry, while Paul Joules, Favour Akem, Akinade Ibukun play for El Geish.

Smouha FC has in its books Sodiq Ougola, Abubakar Liday, and Junior Ajayi, who came out few months ago to complain of welfare issues with the club.

In the warning, FIFPRO advised the players to exercise extreme caution when considering moving to the Egyptian league.

In the statement, the players’ union said the increasing labour conflicts in the Egyptian league “emphasizes that such a move may potentially lead to legal proceedings.”

“In light of this, FIFPRO provides valuable recommendations to protect players’ interests,” the statement reads.

“It is important not to surrender their passports to club officials; they should, submit photocopies or insist on personal presence during formalities.

“FIFPRO also warns against signing blank contracts, as clubs have been known to manipulate these by later inserting different details. Players are urged to retain a signed original version of their contract and ensure that the currency is fixed to prevent club manipulation.

“Additionally, players are advised to approach agent dealings with caution, seeking support from trusted parties in case of disputes,” it added.