By Tasi’u Hassan
Ahead of the final clash between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the Elephants of Ivory Coast in the ongoing African Cup of Nations this Sunday, a physician, Dr. Adamu Bala Ningi, has admonished hypertensive patients to prioritize their health amidst the excitement of football.
The Doctor’s advice comes after about five Nigerians were reported to have lost their lives while watching Nigeria’s match against South Africa during the semifinal match at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday.
Things took a new dimension a few minutes before the final whistle when Victor Osimhen scored the second goal for the Eagles.
However, the referee canceled the goal after consulting the video assistant referee (VAR) and subsequently awarded a penalty to South Africa.
This dramatic turn of events heightened anxiety among many Nigerians, resulting in the death of notable individuals, including a former member of the House of Representatives and the deputy bursar, Kwara State University.
Reacting to the unfortunate development, the Super Eagles players led by their captain observed a minute silence in honour of those who died watching the match and promised that the Super Eagles would lift the trophy for the deceased.
To avoid another sad story when Nigeria meets the host nation, Cote D’Ivoire in the final match of the Nations Cup on Sunday, a physician at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital Bauchi, Dr. Adamu Bala Ningi, advised Nigerians to take things easy, while those with underlying heart problems and unresolved hypertension should be conscious of the state of their health.
He advised hypertensive patients, who are on drugs and easily get excited, to take their drugs before the game.
The physician also urged those with serious health problems to delay watching the game or watch in public where their attention will be shared between watching the game and discussing with others.
Dr. Adamu Bala Ningi, called on Nigerians not to focus on the negative and be thinking about losing, saying with the level of Super Eagles preparedness, they may win.
Will Ivory Coast become the first host nation to be crowned champions of Africa since Egypt in 2006? Or will Nigeria spoil the party to add to their triumphs in 1980, 1994, and 2013?
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