Photo: A football referee
Lightning strikes, kills referee during football match
A Nigerian football referee has been killed by lightning during a friendly match in Madalla, Niger State.
Mustafa Coach 02, who was a member of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) met his tragic death during a match played on the field of the community school.
According to an eyewitness, Muhammed Musa, the match, which was played between Madalla and Suleja youths, was on a half-time break at about 5:20 pm when the tragedy occurred.
He said, “It was raining, and all the footballers, along with their fans, took refuge inside the school’s classrooms.
“The referee, along with his assistant (a linesman), rushed back to the field, demanding the players join them.
“They were the only ones at the centre of the pitch when thunder struck.
“Two of them were rushed to a hospital, where the referee was confirmed dead on arrival while his assistant was revived.”
It was gathered that the remains of the deceased were buried on Wednesday morning in Suleja town, where he lived.
