Gunmen have killed crew members from the broadcast outlet SuperSports in Anambra, along with a police officer.

They were on their way to cover the Super Eagles’ 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers match against Libya.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced on Saturday that the victims were “killed by kidnappers in an ambush on the Ihiala-Orlu Road in Anambra State, on Tuesday, October 8th, 2024,” and is expressing condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.

According to the NFF on Saturday, details of the incident showed that bandits fired at a bus carrying SuperSport operatives, including staff and security personnel. The attack led to the immediate deaths of a cameraman, a police officer, and the bus driver.

“It Hurts a Lot”

A somber NFF president, Ibrahim Gusau, expressed that although Nigeria triumphed over Libya with a 1-0 win in Friday’s match held in the Southern city of Uyo, Akwa Ibom, the incident has overshadowed the Super Eagles’ victory.

“Yes, we won the match against Libya and gained three points. However, the loss of three lives cast a shadow over our victory, preventing us from celebrating properly. Reflecting on this tragic incident is truly painful,” Gusau said.

He reminisced about Nigeria’s “long and fruitful relationship with SuperSport” and expressed that the football organization shares in “their pain and sorrow during this difficult time.”

He expressed hope that the Almighty would bring comfort to both the SuperSport family and the families of those who have passed away, granting eternal rest to the departed souls. He also prayed for the safe return of one person “still unaccounted for.”

It was reported that fourteen people were in the vehicle at the time of the ambush.

According to the NFF’s statement, eight people were eventually rescued, two managed to escape on their own, three lost their lives, and one person remains unaccounted for.