The Football Association of Zambia has mourned the late Dr. Joseph Kabuno who passed away after Nigeria vs Ghana World Cup qualifying play-off game on Tuesday.
Kabungo was on duty as FIFA’s Doping Officer at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja, Nigeria, as the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the World Cup after a 1-1 draw against the Black Stars.
Ghana qualified on away goals but the celebration was cut short as they were forced to flee for safety after irate Nigerian fans stormed the pitch to vandalise properties.
Kabungo, according to UK Mirror, was also due to be a part of the medical team in Qatar for the World Cup itself.
However, according to the Nigeria Football Federation, the FIFA doctor reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest after the game, leading to his death.
Although some unconfirmed reports before the NFF statement was released claimed that he was beaten up by the angry fans.
However, a statement released by ZAF on Wednesday morning read: “The Football Association of Zambia joins the rest of the football family in mourning the late Dr Joseph Kabungo. Dr Kabungo, a CAF/FIFA medical officer was on duty in Abuja for the second leg, the final qualifying match between Nigeria and Ghana that ended 1-1.”
ZAF President Andrew Kamanga said: “We take note that it is too early to dwell into the nitty-gritty of the cause of his death but will wait for the full report from CAF and FIFA on what exactly transpired. He was a dedicated and widely loved member of our football community and his impact was vast, having also been part of the 2012 Africa Cup-winning team.
“His death is a huge loss as Dr Kabungo was a friend and confidant to many generations of players and their families. He was one of the outstanding Zambian football personalities that flew the Zambian flag at global football events.
“We all have to learn from his example of excellence and celebrate his legacy by breeding more hard-working football Zambian administrators.”
