A Nigerian referee, Mustapha Bello, has died after being struck by lightning during a friendly football match played in Community Primary and Secondary School, Madalla town, Niger State.
Confirming the incident to Daily Trust on Wednesday, an eyewitness, Muhammed Musa, said the match in which Suleja and Madalla youths participated, was on a half-time break around 5:20 pm when the incident happened.
“It was raining and all the footballers along with their fans were taking refuge inside the school’s classrooms. The referee along with his assistant (lineman) 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 the referee was confirmed dead on arrival while his assistant was revived,” he said.
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A Facebook user, Awwal Yarima who shared the news said: “Innalillahi wa innan ilaihi rain!!! 😭😭😭. We lost one of us in Referees in Suleja Also my Coach in Referees. Mallam. Mustapha Bello Grade one referee. May his soul rest in Jannat ul Firdausi. Ameen.”
The report has garnered reactions from Nigerians with some attributing his death to mystical powers.
A tweep, @emmanuelumez1 wrote: “The story no clear 🤔 Like thunder fire him??? 🫢”
@seunsocials commented: “The Nigerian in me is feeling like he blew against the wrong team. May his soul Rest In Peace.”
“Not a very friendly thunder,” @chiagozie7 reacted.
@onlyteefundz weighed in: “Omo the guy wey struck by lightning for usa turn flash, e reach Nigeria turn the guy die🤦♂️”
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@bencipherx said: “Too sad, damn. It reminds me of when I left an office where I used to work before NYSC and later a thunder went through there and destroyed at least a dozen equipment. If I was still there, maybe I won’t be tweeting this. Occurrence like this is rare & crazy. God help his family.”
Hameeda Adedoyin said: “May God forgive his shortcomings and make it easy for his family members to take heart. I hope the Government will come to the aid of the family to donate something.”
