The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has released a press statement to mourn the death of Dr. Joseph Kabungo, the Zambian Confederation of African Football official who died in Abuja during the World Cup qualifiers match between Ghana and Nigeria on Tuesday.

Until his death, Kabungo worked with the Federation International de Football Association (FIFA) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a doping control officer. He was appointed to serve as a CAF official at the World Cup qualifiers match in Nigeria.

The death of the Zambian doctor was one of the unfortunate incidents that occurred immediately after the football match. There had been speculations surrounding the death of Kabungo, but the ministry’s statement has set the record straight.

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“The Federal Government of Nigeria wishes to commiserate with the family, government, and the good people of the Republic of Zambia; FIFA/CAF and the entire football family world over, on the sudden death of Dr. Joseph Kabungo, which occurred after the FIFA World Cup playoff match between Nigeria and Ghana at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on 29th March, 2022,” the statement reads.

“The deceased, who died of cardiac arrest was a Zambian national and FIFA/CAF appointed Doping Control Officer for the playoff match.

“Late DR. Kabungo was an official on anti-doping exercise at the game. He fell ill suddenly just after the match, as he began gasping for breath and was found by some FIFA/CAF officials near the visiting Team’s Dressing Room. Medics tried to stabilise him before he was rushed to the Cedar Crest Hospital in Abuja where he was pronounced dead.

“May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

The statement was signed by Francisca Omayuli, the spokesperson of the ministry, on Thursday.

A large number of people broke out of the spectator stands to vandalise the stadium after the match. Nigeria had failed to win the game and lost its bid to qualify for the World Cup.

Dr. Joseph Kabungo was the only reported fatality on the night, but his death was not caused by the attack on the football field.