Man United and FIFA mourn 'electrocuted' Nigerian soccer lovers

Football’s world governing body, FIFA, and English Premier League side, Manchester United have expressed condolences with families of victims in the tragedy that struck Nigeria on Thursday.

Aside the two football entities, President Buhari has also expressed condolences to families of victims in a statement released on Friday.

“The President offers his deepest condolences to the family and friends of the mostly young victims, whose sudden demise is a big blow not only to their families, but also to the football-loving nation,” it said.

Manchester United and FIFA on the other hand used their official social media handles to sympathize with the people of Nigeria.

Our thoughts go out to the United fans, their friends and families affected by the tragedy in Calabar, Nigeria, yesterday. pic.twitter.com/WGnHAxpjMV

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 21, 2017

FIFA is deeply saddened by the deaths of several football fans in Calabar & offer our deepest condolences to family & friends of the victims

— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) April 21, 2017

Reports indicate that seven people died whiles 11 others sustained injuries. The deaths were as a result of electrocution while football lovers were watching the Europa league match between Manchester United and Anderlecht.

The incident is said to have occurred when high tension cables from a nearby transformer fell on a local football viewing centre built with zinc roofing sheets.

The cables fell on the structure after the transformer exploded twice leaving dozens injured and receiving treatment at a neighbouring hospital.

The Governor of the Cross River State, Ben Ayade commiserated with the victims of the tragedy, he promised to launch a probe into the issue and also to assist victims of the tragedy.

“The incident marks a dark chapter in the life of the state where the precious lives of football lovers have been lost,” he said in a statement on Friday.

Local football viewing centres are popular in Nigeria with dozens of people gathering under structures to watch football games on television.