A REFEREE has died after being struck by lightning during a match.
Nigerian official Mustapha Bello was taking charge of a friendly game on Tuesday when the tragedy took place.
Heavy rain and thunder broke out during the schools fixture between Madalla and Suleja.
According to reports Bello was hit by a thunderbolt when he went out to inspect the pitch at the start of the second half.
He was taken to hospital in Madalla, in Nigeria's western Niger state, but could not be revived.
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Bello, 40, had been a senior official in the west African country's football league as well as a member of its referees' association.
Eyewitness Muhammed Musa said: "It was raining, and all the footballers along with their fans took refuge in the school's classrooms.
"The referee and his assistant rushed back onto the field, demanding the players to join them.
"They were at the centre of the pitch when the thunder struck. The two of them were rushed to a hospital.
"The referee was confirmed dead on arrival, while his assistant was revived."
Bello's funeral took place on Wednesday.
