Zambia Football Federation has confirmed the passing of Confederation of Africa Football’s doping doctor, Joseph Kabungo during the 2022 World Cup play-off fixture between Nigeria and Ghana at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja.
Kabungo, a Zambian medical professional, who was on duty as a doping officer of the confederation of African Football, CAF, was said to have slumped and died shortly after Ghana stopped Nigeria from qualifying for the 2022 World Cup on Tuesday.
British-Nigerian journalist, Osasu Obayiuwana who broke the news said it could not be confirmed if the death was caused by Nigerian fans who invaded the pitch after Ghana defeated the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
He, however, noted that the families of the Zambian doctor have been notified.
“His name is Dr Joseph Kabungo from Zambia. He was on duty as a Doping officer. He collapsed suddenly and died. Cause of death not confirmed yet. His family, the Zambia FA, and the government of Zambia have been duly informed,” Obayiuwana noted on Twitter.
Zambia FA President, Andrew Kamanga has eulogised Kabungo insisting the country had lost one of the game’s leading lights on the continent and beyond.
“Today, Wednesday, 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,” Kamanga explained.
“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.
“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.
“Dr Kabungo was a permanent fixture at football events including the FIFA Arab Cup in Qatar which is a precursor for the 2022 World Cup. He was also part of the medical team during Cameroon 2021 [played in 2022] Africa Cup of Nations.
“He was one of the outstanding Zambian football personalities that flew the Zambian flag at global football events. We all have to learn from his example of excellence and celebrate his legacy by breeding more hard-working football Zambian administrators.”
It was also reported that the doctor suffered a cardiac arrest.
Meanwhile, CAF has not released an official statement.
