The Deputy Bursar of Kwara State University, Malete, Alhaji Ayuba Abdullahi, on Wednesday night, died after he reportedly developed high blood pressure while watching the semi-final match between Nigeria and South Africa in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Ayuba’s death was confirmed in a statement released by the university’s management on Thursday morning.
The statement read: “This is to announce the death of Mr. Ayuba Olaitan Abdullahi of the Bursary Department.
“Janazah will be held this morning, and his remains will be interred at the Hausa Muslim cemetery, Apata Yakuba, Oyun area, Ilorin, at 9 am”.
On the course of his death, one of his close allies who spoke to Newsmen said the Deputy Bursar died because of the tension he felt while watching the AFCON semi-final clash last night.
According to the source, the deceased went to a sports centre in Ilorin’s Sango district to watch the match but left after extra time when he became nervous and realised he couldn’t withstand the penalty shootout.
“The Deputy Bursar watched the Nigeria/South Africa match from the beginning till the end of the extra time, till it was time for a penalty kick.”
He continued:
“He complained that he was feeling dizzy, so he said he needed to go back home and rest not knowing that his BP had gone up.
“On getting home, he collapsed and was rushed to a private hospital in Sango and he was referred to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital and before he could be attended to, he died.
“He was buried on Thursday morning according to Islamic rites”.
The university’s Director of Information, Dr. Saedat Aliyu, who also verified Abdullahi’s death stated that the bursar was in good health when he arrived at the office on Wednesday and did not show any sign of illness when he left.
“Yes, he died last night. He was hale and hearty and was full of life on Wednesday at his office. May Almighty Allah grant him Aljanah Firdaus”, she said.
Abdullahi is the third person reported to have died as a result of the tension-filled match between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana on Wednesday night.
It was reported that a National Youth Service Corps member serving in Adamawa State, identified as Peter Yunana, and a former member of the House of Representatives, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh died while watching the match.
