A friendly football game in Madalla, Niger State, was interrupted by mourning after a referee suddenly passed away after allegedly being struck by lightning.
The deceased, who was known to football fans only as Mustafa Coach 02, tragically passed away on Tuesday during a game between the primary and secondary schools in the neighborhood. He was reportedly a member of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFA).
Muhammed Musa, an eyewitness, reported that the incident occurred during halftime of the game in which Suleja and Madalla youths were involved.
"It was raining and all the footballers along with their fans were taken refuge inside the school's classrooms. The referee along with his assistant (line man) 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 Sulaiman was confirmed dead on arrival while his assistant was revived."
The deceased's family member, who only gave his name as Ibrahim, reported that Ibrahim was buried on Wednesday morning in the town of Suleja, where he resided.
