The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has confirmed the death of a medical doctor with the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) Joseph Kabungo in Abuja after Nigeria played host to Ghana in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday night.
In a statement, the federation called for investigation, saying Kabungo would be missed.
“The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) joins the rest of the football family in mourning the late Dr Joseph Kabungo. Dr Kabungo, a CAF/FIFA medical officer was on duty in Abuja for the second leg, final qualifying match between Nigeria and Ghana that ended 1-1,” the statement read.
FAZ president Andrew Kamanga noted that the country had lost one of the game’s leading lights on the continent and beyond.
“Today we mourn the passing of our CAF/FIFA medical officer Dr Joseph Kabungo who was on duty as a Doping officer in Tuesday’s match involving Nigeria and Ghana, and we extend our sincere condolences to Dr Kabungo’s family and the football family at large,” Mr Kamanga said.
“We take note that it is too early to dwell into the nitty-gritty of the cause of his death but will wait for the full report from CAF and FIFA on what exactly transpired.”
Mr Kamanga added: “He was a dedicated and widely loved member of our football community and his impact was vast, having also been part of the 2012 Africa Cup-winning team. His death is a huge loss as Dr Kabungo was a friend and confidant to many generations of players and their families.”
He said everyone has to learn from Kabungo’s example of excellence and celebrate his legacy by breeding more hardworking Zambian football administrators.
The Nigeria Football Federation and CAF have not spoken about the doctor’s death.
