Dr. Joseph Kabungo dies during a pitch invasion between Nigeria and Ghana game in Abuja. There are reports that Kabungo died as a result of the stampede that occurred at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja before the commencement of the match.
However, another account blamed fans’ invasion of the pitch after the match for the doctor’s death.
Kabungo, a Zambian medical practitioner, was said to have died shortly after Ghana stopped Nigeria from qualifying for the 2022 World Cup on Tuesday.
FIFA medical officer who was on duty for the second leg final qualifying match between Nigeria and Ghana in Abuja, Joseph Kabungo has died.
Dr Kabungo who served as the Chipolopolo team doctor from 2003 -2016 died yesterday during a pitch invasion.
And Football Association of Zambia(FAZ) president Andrew Kamanga says the country had lost one of the game’s leading lights on the continent and beyond.
“Today we mourn the passing of our CAF/FIFA medical officer Dr Joseph Kabungo who was on duty as a Doping officer in Tuesday’s match involving Nigeria and Ghana, and we extend our sincere condolences to Dr Kabungo’s family and the football family at large,” Kamanga says.
“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.”
Kamanga said Dr Kabungo was a dedicated and widely loved member of the 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 said.
Kamanga said Dr Kabungo 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,” Kamanga said.
