A Police inspector, on Tuesday, lost his life while watching a Champions League football match between Arsenal and Real Madrid in Calabar.
Inspector Stephen Enang, who served with the Nigerian Police Force at the Akim Police Division along IBB Way, was reported to have collapsed at a local football viewing centre in Calabar Municipality. The viewing centre, located along Abang-Asang Street, is a popular gathering point for football lovers in the area.
Enang, who was known for his love for football and particularly for Arsenal FC, arrived at the venue in good health and joined other fans to watch the much-anticipated game. Witnesses said he showed no signs of illness before or during the match.
A friend of the late officer, who requested to remain unnamed, shared details of what happened.
“Before the match, he was hale and hearty, there was no issue whatsoever, that we know of, because he is a very quiet and soft-spoken guy, who loves football and is a die-hard Arsenal fan. He is an Inspector of Police also with the Akim Police Division. We were all watching the game, his team scored the first goal, and he was so excited, same with the second and third goals.”
According to the friend, the moment of joy turned grim when the match ended. “He jumped up all in jubilation to each of these goals; we didn’t know that as he sat back in his chair waiting for the final whistle, Stephen was gone. We only discovered that he was not moving after the game, when everyone was leaving the viewing center, and he didn’t stand up like others.”
Enang was rushed to the Police hospital at Akim. Medical professionals there tried their best to revive him, but he was confirmed dead shortly after arrival.
