In a tragic incident during a friendly football match held in Madalla town, Niger State, a referee named Mustapha Bello, also known as Mustafa Coach 02 among football fans and a member of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFA), lost his life after being struck by lightning.
The unfortunate incident occurred on Tuesday evening, June 13, 2023, at the primary and secondary schools’ field within the community.
An eyewitness named Muhammed Musa recounted that the match, involving the participation of Suleja and Madalla youths, was on a halftime break at approximately 5:20 pm when the tragedy unfolded. Due to the ongoing rain, the footballers and their fans sought refuge inside the school’s classrooms.
However, the referee and his assistant (line man) hurried back to the field, urging the players to join them.
As they positioned themselves at the center of the pitch, lightning suddenly struck. Emergency measures were taken, and both individuals were swiftly transported to a hospital.
Unfortunately, the referee was pronounced dead upon arrival, while his assistant was successfully revived.The deceased, identified as Mustapha Bello, was laid to rest on Wednesday morning in Suleja town, his place of residence.
A family member of the deceased, who only provided the name Ibrahim, confirmed the burial arrangements.
