Nigerian Referee killed by lightning strike during a friendly match in Niger
A tragic incident occurred during a friendly football match in Madalla town, Niger State, resulting in the death of a referee who was struck by lightning. The referee, known among football fans as Mustafa Coach 02 and reportedly affiliated with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), met his untimely demise on Tuesday evening at the community’s primary and secondary schools’ field.
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According to an eyewitness named Muhammed Musa, the match involving Suleja and Madalla youths was on a half-time break at approximately 5:20 pm when the incident took place. Due to the rain, both the footballers and their fans sought shelter inside the school’s classrooms. However, the referee and his assistant (line man) hurried back to the field, urging the players to join them.
While they were in the center of the pitch, lightning struck. Both individuals were promptly rushed to a hospital, where Sulaiman, the referee, was tragically pronounced dead upon arrival. Thankfully, his assistant was successfully resuscitated. The deceased, whose full name is Mustapha Sulaiman, was laid to rest on Wednesday morning in Suleja town, where he resided, as confirmed by a family member named Ibrahim.
