Police inspector slumps, dies after Arsenal vs Real Madrid match

A night of football celebration turned tragic in Calabar as Inspector Stephen Enang, a devoted Arsenal fan, slumped and died shortly after watching the Gunners’ stunning 3–0 victory over Spanish giants Real Madrid on Tuesday night.

Enang, who was attached to the Akim Police Division along IBB Way, was a native of Ekori in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State. Known for his calm demeanor and unwavering love for Arsenal, he was reportedly in high spirits throughout the match.

Witnesses said he showed no signs of distress until shortly after the final whistle, when he suddenly collapsed. Despite efforts to revive him, he was confirmed dead minutes later.

According to a close friend, who spoke on condition of anonymity, Enang had been elated during the match, celebrating each Arsenal goal with great excitement at a viewing centre on Abang-Asang Street.

“He was in great spirits healthy, happy, cheering every goal. Arsenal scored the first, second, and third goals, and he was overjoyed,” the witness recalled.

“But after the final whistle, when everyone started leaving, we noticed Stephen wasn’t getting up like the rest of us. That’s when we realised something was wrong.”

He had slumped on the seat and was unresponsive. Despite being rushed to the Police Hospital in Akim, efforts to revive him were unsuccessful and he was later pronounced dead.

“He was soft-spoken, football-loving, and an ardent Arsenal supporter. This came as a huge shock to all of us,” his friend added.

As of the time of filing this report, attempts to reach the Cross River State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Irene Ugbo, for an official comment were unsuccessful, as calls and messages went unanswered.