MADALLA, Nigeria – A tragic incident unfolded on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, when a Nigerian referee was struck by lightning during a friendly football match in Madalla, Niger State, resulting in his death.
The referee, Mustapha Bello, also known as Mustafa Coach 02 among football fans, was a member of the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF.
The incident occurred during half-time at around 5:20 pm, according to Muhammed Musa, an eyewitness.
Despite the rain, Mustafa and his assistant referee urged the players to return to the field.
They were the only ones in the center of the pitch when the fatal lightning strike occurred.
“It was raining, and all the footballers, along with their fans, took refuge inside the school’s classrooms. The referee, along with his assistant, rushed back to the field, demanding the players join them. They were the only ones at the centre of the pitch when thunder struck,” Musa recounted.
Both the referee and his assistant were rushed to a nearby hospital, where Mustafa was pronounced dead on arrival, while his assistant was revived.
Ibrahim, a family member, confirmed that Mustafa was laid to rest on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, in Suleja town, where he resided.
The tragic event has left the local football community in shock and mourning.
