emirates7 - A football match in Tanzania was temporarily halted last week when a swarm of bees invaded the pitch, forcing players, referees, and ball boys to dive to the ground to avoid stings.
The unusual incident took place during the 78th minute of a pre-season friendly at Kwara Stadium between Nigeria’s City FC Abuja and Tanzania’s JKU, with the score level at 1–1. Footage of the moment, showing both teams sprawled on the grass as the bees passed overhead, quickly went viral on social media.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported. After a brief pause, officials declared the pitch safe, allowing play to resume, and City FC Abuja eventually scored a late goal to win 2–1.
Online reactions ranged from shock to amusement, with one user praising the players’ quick thinking: “They played dead — a smart move. Glad no one was hurt.”
The episode adds to the quirky history of wildlife interruptions in African football, where animals and insects have occasionally disrupted matches in unexpected ways.
The unusual incident took place during the 78th minute of a pre-season friendly at Kwara Stadium between Nigeria’s City FC Abuja and Tanzania’s JKU, with the score level at 1–1. Footage of the moment, showing both teams sprawled on the grass as the bees passed overhead, quickly went viral on social media.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported. After a brief pause, officials declared the pitch safe, allowing play to resume, and City FC Abuja eventually scored a late goal to win 2–1.
Online reactions ranged from shock to amusement, with one user praising the players’ quick thinking: “They played dead — a smart move. Glad no one was hurt.”
The episode adds to the quirky history of wildlife interruptions in African football, where animals and insects have occasionally disrupted matches in unexpected ways.