A police inspector, Stephen Enang, on Tuesday night in Calabar, died while watching the Champions League match between Arsenal and Real Madrid at a viewing centre.

Mr Enang, said to be a diehard fan of Arsenal, was, until his death, attached to the Akim Police Division along IBB Way in Calabar.

He was said to be a regular caller at the centre at Abang-Asang Street, Calabar Municipality LGA in Cross River.

He was also said not to have displayed any sign of illness before the game and even joined in the excitement when Arsenal scored the first, second, and third goals.

According to his friend, who did not want to be named, the late inspector was discovered unconscious after the final whistle.

He said, “Before the match, he was hale and hearty. There was no issue whatsoever that we know of because he is a very quiet and soft-spoken guy who loves football and is a diehard Arsenal fan.

“He is also an inspector of police with the Akim Police Division. We were all watching the game. His team scored the first goal, and he was so excited, and the same with the second and third goals. He jumped up in jubilation at each of these goals. We didn’t know that as he sat back in his chair waiting for the final whistle, Stephen was gone.”

The source added, “We only discovered that he was not moving after the game, when everyone was leaving the viewing centre, and he didn’t stand up like others.

“That was when we discovered he was no longer conscious. He was rushed to the police hospital at Akim, where the health professionals did everything they could to revive him, but all their efforts proved abortive, as he was confirmed dead.”

Police spokeswoman Irene Ugbo did not immediately respond to requests for comments on the matter.

(NAN)