In the 78th minute, with the score tied at 1-1, a swarm of bees suddenly appeared and flew across the field.
To avoid being stung, the referee, players, ball boys, and even the television crew had to lie motionless on the ground for some time. On the sidelines, substitute players took cover under the benches. Spectators, however, remained in their seats. Fortunately, no one was stung during the incident.
Some speculated that unusual weather before the match may have been the cause. Others suggested the noise from the crowd agitated the bees, causing them to swarm onto the field.
"Nature doesn't care about your soccer schedule. Lying down was a smart move," one user commented on X.
After play resumed, City Abuja FC secured a 2-1 victory in the final minute.
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Players lie flat on the ground to avoid bee stings. Photo: Youtube |
Players lie flat on the ground to avoid bee stings. Photo: Youtube
Bee attacks on athletes have occurred a few times in professional sports. In 2019, while playing for Sao Paulo in the Brazilian championship, defender Dani Alves was attacked by wasps. At the Indian Wells tournament in the US last year, tennis player Carlos Alcaraz was stung on the forehead by a bee, causing a temporary halt to the match.
Thanh Quy (according to The Sun)
