The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of three victims killed during an ambush by kidnappers on the Ihiala-Orlu Road, Anambra State, on Tuesday, 8th October 2024.
The victims, who included a cameraman, a police officer, and the bus driver, were part of a SuperSport crew en route to Uyo for coverage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match between Nigeria and Libya.
In a statement issued by the federation, the NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, acknowledged the deep sorrow felt by its Executive Committee and staff in the wake of the tragic incident. He said, “Yes, we won the match against Libya and took three points, but the fact that three lives were lost created a situation in which we were unable to celebrate properly, and it hurts seriously to even think back at the unfortunate incident.
“Nigeria football has had a long and fruitful relationship with SuperSport. The organization has been a strong ally in helping to fulfill the objective of the NFF in spreading joy to Nigerians through football, and they have been very professional and dedicated in their service. We share in their pain and sorrow at this period. Our prayer is that the Almighty will comfort the SuperSport family and the families of the deceased, and also grant the deceased eternal rest.
“At the same time, we pray for the safe return of the one person still unaccounted for, so that he will happily link up with his family and return to his job in good health. We also thank the security forces immensely for their efforts since this incident started.”
Out of 14 passengers on the ambushed bus, it was reported that eight were rescued, two escaped on their own, while three were killed.
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