Zambian Football Medic Tragedy

One of Zambia's most loved medical doctors died during the Nigeria vs. Ghana World Cup qualification game on Tuesday night, when Nigerian supporters began abusing players and personnel on the field, causing a panic.

It is unclear how Dr. Joseph Kabungo died; some stories claim he died of a heart attack.

He was one of the medical personnel during Nigeria's 1-1 draw with their archrivals in Abuja, which resulted in Ghana qualifying on the away goals rule.

Angry Super Eagles fans then bombarded players as they exited the ground with water bottles hurled from the stands, with police reportedly deploying teargas to disperse the mob.

The Nigerian authorities have yet to officially remark on the event.

The doctor was a regular in major football tournaments, including the most recent Fifa Arab Cup in Qatar and the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

Zambia's footballing community is in grief following his untimely passing.

“We extend our sincere condolences to Dr Kabungo’s family and the football family at large,” Zambia FA president Andrew Kamanga said in a statement confirming the death.

Zambian football hero Kalusha Bwalya, who was good friends with Mr Kabungo, expressed horror at the news, saying that he couldn't believe it.

Dr. Kabungo was the national team medic when South Africa won the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in 2012.

At the time of his death, he was also a member of the medical committees of Fifa and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).