Daniel Imadojemu Reporting
In Madalla town, Niger State, a friendly football game was interrupted by strong rain and thunder, which led to the death of the Nigerian referee on the field.
The deceased, reportedly a member of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and known to football fans simply as Mustafa Coach 02, tragically passed away Tuesday night during a game played in Madalla, Niger State, on the town’s school field.
Muhammed Musa, an eyewitness, informed Daily Trust that the incident occurred at the halftime break of the game in which Suleja and Madalla youths were participating.
He said, “It was raining and all the footballers along with their fans were taken refuge inside the school’s classrooms. The referee along with his assistant (line man) rushed back to the field, demanding the players to join them.
They were only at the centre of the pitch when the thunder struck. Two of them were rushed to a hospital, where Sulaiman was confirmed dead on arrival while his assistant was revived.”.
The deceased’s family member, who only gave his name as Ibrahim, reported that Ibrahim was buried on Wednesday morning in the town of Suleja, where he resided.