AFCON Final: Medical doctor tells Nigerians with underlying health challenges what to do

The Medical Director of Sckyé Hospitals, Dr. Thomas-Wilson Ikubese, has advised Nigerians with peculiar health conditions not to watch the final match of the ongoing African Cup of Nations.

Ikubese, while giving the advice, condoled with the families of Nigerians who died during the semi-final match between Nigeria and South Africa.

He said: “A Former House of Representatives member and former Executive Director of NDDC, Delta-born Cairo Ojougboh and Anambra-born billionaire, High Chief Osondu Nwoye, one of the richest Igbo businessman based in Ivory Coast were among those who lost their lives.

“The moment the referee visited the VAR, cancelled the Nigerian goal by Victor Osimen and awarded penalty against Nigeria, these two, like many other Nigerians started screaming in anger and frustration.

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“When the kick was eventually taken and South Africa scored, they slumped and died Ikubese added that ” the two other deceased were a member of the National Youth Service Corps serving in Adamawa State identified simply as Samuel, from Kaduna State and the Deputy Bursar of Kwara State University Malete, Alhaji Ayuba Abdullahi both of whom slumped and died during the terminal penalty kicks.

“I herein admonish that those who are highly emotional and with heart conditions should be mindful of the AFCON grand finale coming up on Sunday 11th February, between Nigeria and host Cote D’Ivoire”.

He added: “This category of persons should not watch the live transmission of the match. If they must do however, they should deliberately engage diversionary therapy as to minimize their systemic reactions to the activities therein.

“They can pick up their phones and be engaged therein while watching the match and deliberately play down their emotions, acting like the outcome of the match is of no consequence to them.

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” On no account should they scream or jump up. If in spite of all these, they yet begin to feel uncomfortable, they should quit watching.

“If they are not sure of conducting themselves with such level of decorum, they should boycott the live transmission and watch the highlights thereafter”