By Angu Lesley
Football writer kick442.com – Cameroon
Several young footballers were injured after a lightning strike hit the Presbyterian School field in Bali Njenka, Mezam Division of the North West Region, during a football match on Monday evening.
According to Mimi Mefo Info, the players had continued their usual game despite light rainfall after an earlier heavy downpour had subsided.
One of the victims said the weather had improved when thunder and lightning suddenly struck the field, knocking several players to the ground.
“We were playing while it was drizzling. A more serious rain had reduced when all of a sudden thunder and lightning struck, bringing down about 15 players to the floor,” the victim recounted.
Witnesses said around six players sustained injuries, while one player was left in critical condition after reportedly losing consciousness for several minutes. Upon regaining consciousness, he initially struggled to stand and could not move his legs.
Another victim, identified as Bankie, said he experienced weakness and blurred vision before recovering enough to call for help.
The injured players were first taken to the nearby health centre in Njenka, where medical personnel reportedly sought further intervention. They were later transferred to Mubuh for additional treatment.
By Tuesday morning, local sources said most of the injured players had regained strength, while the player who had been in critical condition was reportedly showing signs of recovery.
No official statement had been issued by school authorities, health officials or administrative authorities in Bali at the time of reporting.
The incident has renewed concerns about the dangers of outdoor sporting activities during thunderstorms, particularly in communities where football matches often continue despite adverse weather conditions.
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