Don’t watch AFCON final with heart condition, doctor warns Nigerians

An Akure-based medical practitioner and Chief Medical Director of Sckye Hospital, Dr Thomas-Wilson Ikubese, has warned Super Eagles fans and football lovers who are highly emotional and have heart conditions to avoid Sunday’s final.

Ikubese, who stated this in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday in Akure, said this category of persons should instead be involved in diversionary measures instead.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Super Eagles of Nigeria will face host nation, Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire, on Sunday in final of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Reports said that about four Nigerians were reported to have lost their lives while watching the Eagles’ semi-final match against South Africa on Wednesday.

Ikubese suggested that such people should pick their phones and follow the live scores, to avoid screaming and leave the update if they were feeling uncomfortable.

“I will counsel that this category of persons should not watch the live transmission of the match.

“If they must do so, however, they should deliberately engage in diversionary therapy as to minimize their systemic reactions to the activities therein.

“They can pick up their phones and be engaged therein while watching the match and deliberately play down their emotions, acting like the outcome of the match is of no consequence to them.

“On no account should they scream or jump up. If in spite of all these, they yet begin to feel uncomfortable, they should quit watching.

“If they are not sure of conducting themselves with such level of decorum, they should boycott the live transmission and watch the highlights thereafter,” he said.

Ikubese later condoled with the families of those who lost their loved ones while watching the football encounter.

He wished Nigeria luck in the coming encounter.