‘Deadly’ Turkey earthquake: NFF provides heartwarming update on Musa, Onyekuru, others

Tragedy struck the transcontinental nation within the early hours of Monday and rescue operations proceed amidst reviews of tons of lifeless and dozens extra trapped

The Nigeria Soccer Federation has supplied a optimistic replace concerning the contigent of the nation’s footballers plying their commerce in earthquake-hit Turkey.

In keeping with the soccer physique, all of Nigeria’s soccer stars in Turkey are secure and away from hurt’s means following a strong and lethal earthquake that struck the southern and central areas of the Asia-European nation.

What occurred?

Within the early hours of February 6, 2023, a horrible earthquake hit just a few cities in Turkey and neighbouring Syria inflicting the loss of life of a number of individuals.

Many extra individuals are believed to be trapped underneath rubbles following the collapse of about 6,217 buildings in ten provinces throughout Turkey.

#BREAKING Loss of life toll from earthquakes in southern Türkiye rises to 2,921, with 15,834 accidents, says catastrophe company pic.twitter.com/tdMh5F2g8y

— ANADOLU AGENCY (@anadoluagency) February 7, 2023

Much more widespread harm has been recorded after what is claimed to be the deadliest earthquake to strike Turkey because the 1999 İzmit earthquake.

A number of footballers have been reported lacking following the tragedy with Hatayspor Vice-President Mustafa Özat confirming that Ghanaian ahead Cristian Atsu was caught underneath the rubble. Studies counsel although that he might have been discovered.

??? Hatayspor ahead Cristian Atsu and director Taner Savut have been left underneath the rubble after the earthquake in Türkiye.

Search and rescue groups are trying them now, reviews @yagosabuncuoglu. pic.twitter.com/S2IqRo46PK

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) February 6, 2023

Nigerian stars in Turkey

The Turkish Soccer Federation instantly postponed league and cup matches scheduled for Monday after the quake struck.

However worries abound concerning the well being and security of the various Nigerian gamers who play in quite a few golf equipment in Turkey.

There are a minimum of 22 gamers of Nigerian descent plying their commerce within the Tremendous Lig and 1. Lig – the nation’s first two tiers.

Prime on the listing of Nigerian stars within the Turkish high flight are Tremendous Eagles captain Ahmed Musa and ahead Leke James each of who play for Sivasspor.

Nigerian worldwide Henry Onyekuru and David Akintola are each at Adana Demirspor whereas the duo of Jesse Sekidika and Olanrewaju Kayode solely not too long ago joined Ümraniyespor.

İstanbulspor is dwelling to Michael Ologo and Emeka Eze and there may be new Tremendous Eagles defender, Vibrant Osayi-Samuel at Fenerbahce.

NFF’s replace

In a press release launched on their official channels, the NFF sends prayers and well-wishes to these concerned and those that misplaced family members within the disaster. 

The physique, nonetheless, assures that each one of Nigeria’s footballers in Turkey will not be in any hazard.

The assertion reads: “The Nigeria Soccer Federation is gloomy in regards to the unlucky earthquake in Kahramanmaras metropolis of Turkey.

“NFF President, Alh. Ibrahim Gusau has reached out to Nigerian gamers based mostly in Turkey they usually have all confirmed that they’re wonderful. We pray the souls of the departed relaxation in peace whilst we commiserate with the folks of Turkey presently.”

Galatasaray are the runner-away leaders with a nine-point benefit on the high of the league however Vibrant Osayi-Samuel’s Fenerbahce will look to maintain up the chase when hostilities resume.