Calabar, Nigeria — Tragedy struck the city of Calabar on Tuesday evening following Arsenal’s emphatic 3-0 win over Spanish football giants Real Madrid, as an Inspector of Police, Stephen Enang, collapsed and died shortly after the final whistle.
The late Inspector Enang, a native of Ekori in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, was attached to the Akim Police Division along IBB Way in Calabar. The shocking incident occurred at a local football viewing centre on Abang-Asang Street, where he had joined fellow fans to watch the high-profile pre-season friendly.
Eyewitnesses described Enang as being in high spirits during the match. Known among his peers as a passionate Arsenal supporter, Enang had cheered enthusiastically as the English Premier League club delivered a dominant performance against Real Madrid.
“He was very lively,” said one of his close friends, who requested anonymity. “We were all together, enjoying the game. Each time Arsenal scored, he jumped up and cheered with so much joy. You could see how much the game meant to him.”
However, the celebratory mood quickly turned somber after the match concluded.
“After the final whistle, we were all getting ready to leave, but Stephen didn’t get up. At first, we thought he was still resting or joking. But when we called out to him and he didn’t respond, we knew something was wrong,” the witness recounted.
The group quickly rushed him to the nearby Police Hospital in Akim. Medical personnel made urgent attempts to resuscitate him, but he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Though the exact cause of death is yet to be confirmed, early indications suggest a possible cardiac arrest brought on by overexcitement. His sudden demise has left his colleagues, friends, and the local community in deep shock.
“He was soft-spoken, very calm, and deeply loved football,” the friend added, struggling to contain his emotions. “He never missed an Arsenal game. To think that something that made him so happy would be tied to his final moments is heartbreaking.”
As of the time of reporting, efforts to reach the Cross River State Police Command for an official statement have been unsuccessful. Calls and messages sent to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Irene Ugbo, were not returned.
The incident has sparked conversations among locals about the importance of regular health check-ups, particularly for individuals with known or potential underlying heart conditions. Many have taken to social media to pay tribute to Enang, remembering him as a dedicated officer and a loyal football enthusiast.
His body has been deposited at the Police Hospital mortuary in Calabar, pending further investigation and autopsy to determine the precise cause of death. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by his family in the coming days.
Inspector Enang is survived by family members and colleagues who are grappling with the sudden and tragic loss of a man whose life ended in the midst of joy.
