Anambra State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, have conveyed their message of condolence to the parents of the three students of Tansi College, Awka, who were struck dead by lightning on Saturday while playing soccer on their school's football pitch.

In another development, Chairman Anambra FA Chikelue Iloenyosi,  has penned an emotional Condolence .Estate to the Tansi College, Awka, over Saturday's unfortunate death of three students of the school and injury topic others, Exclusivenews.com.ng reports.

 

On Saturday 4 November, 2023, three students of the school were cut in their teen by lightning while playing on the school's football pitch.

 

That was not all, six others were injured by the lightning and are currently receiving medical attention in an undisclosed medial facility.

 

In the condolence message dated 6 November and personally signed by the former Nigeria international, Iloenyosi made it clear that both himself, board members and football stakeholders in the state deeply condole the school and families of the affected students over the unfortunate incident.

 

"I, on behalf of the executive board members of Anambra State Football Association and the entire football stakeholders and enthusiasts wish to condole with you and your school management over the unfortunate incident that took place o Saturday, 4th November, 2023", Iloenyosi began in the condolence message.

 

While 'General' Iloenyosi and his FA team have continued to preach the gospel of football development in the state for youths to discover their God-given talents and make a better living from it to help their families and the society as well as reducing crime in the state, the former U23 Olympic Eagles defender was saddened that death cut the dreams of the teenagers in their kindergarten stage.

 

"We ask God to accept their souls in Heaven, give the school and families of the dead ones the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss", the condolence message added.

 

"We also pray for a quick recovery for the hospitalised  ones. We'll continue to put your school and the management in our prayers", the FA boss concluded in the condolence message.

The lightning also injured six student who were also playing football during the incident. The injured six are currently receiving treatment in hospital.

 

"We, members of the above named body, wish to convey our deep condolences to parents, management and staff of Tansi International College, Nodu, Awka South Local Government Area over the lightning  strike accident of Saturday, Nov. 4", the condolence message signed Chimezie Anaso, Chairman and Uche Ndeke, Assistant Secretary, began.

 

The lightning which hit the football of the school while students were playing touched nine of them and left three of them dead.

 

"This is indeed a huge and irreparable loss to the parents of the deceased, Tansi College, the society and the sports community in particular", the SWAN condolence message continued.

 

"As the body of sports journalists in Anambra, we are deeply saddened over this sad incident because we are  aware of the positive role Tansi College has played in the development of sports in Anambra State by making its pitch available for sporting activities.

 

"We appreciate that this particular football pitch was one of the venues for the Anambra Independent Football League, AIFL, the biggest independently run football league as well as other competitions.

 

"SWAN condoles with Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Awka, owners of the College over the tragic loss.

 

"We pray for the repose of their souls and that God will grant all the bereaved the courage to bear the loss", SWAN. concluded, via the condolence message.