What began as a night of celebration ended in heartbreak in Calabar, as Inspector Stephen Enang, a die-hard Arsenal fan, tragically slumped and died shortly after watching his beloved team defeat Real Madrid 3–0.
Enang, a native of Ekori in Yakurr LGA, Cross River State, was attached to the Akim Police Division in Calabar. He had joined other football lovers at a local viewing center on Abang-Asang Street to witness the high-stakes UEFA Champions League clash — a match that saw the Gunners deliver a stunning upset.
According to multiple eyewitnesses, Enang was in high spirits throughout the game, visibly thrilled with each Arsenal goal.
“He was cheering, shouting, laughing — just over the moon,” said a close friend who was seated next to him. “After the third goal, he jumped up, clapped loudly, then sat down again. But after the final whistle, he didn’t move. We thought maybe he was just soaking it all in. But he didn’t get up.”
It was only when the crowd began to disperse that his friends noticed something was terribly wrong. Enang had collapsed in his seat — unresponsive.
He was rushed to the Police Hospital in Akim, but despite urgent efforts by medical staff, he was pronounced dead on arrival.
“He was one of the kindest officers you’d meet. Gentle, calm, loved football deeply. None of us saw this coming,” his friend added, still in shock.
As of the time of this report, official confirmation from the Cross River State Police Command was still pending. Repeated attempts to contact the spokesperson, SP Irene Ugbo, yielded no response.
Now, a football-loving community mourns a man who simply went to watch his favorite team play — and never came home.
