Luckily, nearly 15 hours after Cote D’Ivoire humbled Nigeria to win the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), in a 2 – 1 victory, there has been no report of death as a result of the match. Four were reported in the semi-final clash with South Africa.
But in far-away Ogoja, tempers flared and cudgels and matchetes played a role as Cameroonians and Nigerians engaged in a bloody fight that landed many in hospital.
In Adagom community in Ogoja Local Government of Cross River State, the community people and their refugee neighbours engaged in a free-for-all at the refugee settlement on Ogoja- Katsina-Ala highway.
A witness said the trouble, from a minor squabble between a Nigerian youth and a Cameroonian refugee, swirled into a violent conflict.
Shops and schools in Adagom remain shut at press time as government officials try to unravel why the community folks suddenly turned on the visitors.
The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) seeking to resolve the disagreement were denied access to community leaders.
Recall that on the field of play, same day Nigerians embarked on a psychological show of strength on the streets of Abidjan, the country’s capital, William Troost-Ekong gave Nigeria the lead seven minutes before the break, heading home from a corner-kick.
The Super Eagles became laid back, playing a defensive game as the hosts dominated possession by nearly 64%.
Cote d’Ivoire equalised through Franck Kessie two minutes after the hour mark.
Sebastien Haller netted the winning goal for the Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire nine minutes from time.
From then on, the fighting spirit of the Super Eagles was not enough to find the equaliser.
