Nigerian Footballer Based In Italy Becomes First Player Infected With Coronavirus

The Coronavirus is an epidemic which originated from Wuhan China, and according to reports, Football has its first case.

A Nigerian player named King Paul Akpan Udoh is the first footballer to be diagnosed with the disease. The 22-year-old started his career with Reggiana before signing for Juventus in 2011 who loaned him immediately back to Reggiana.

He had loan stints with Virtus Lanciano and Pontedera before he was signed permanently by Pianese last year. According to reports, Udoh becomes the first player to be infected with the disease that has killed over 2000 people.

He reportedly showed symptoms of the disease ahead of his side’s clash against Juventus U-23 side. As a result, he was tested, and it came out positive.

He is currently quarantined as doctors continue to monitor him. However, Udoh is not the only Pianese player infected with the disease.

According to Skysports, two other players also tested positive and have been isolated from the group.

In a statement made available by the club on its Facebook page, two other players have contacted the virus. Although they did not show signs of sickness, they tested positive and have been isolated from the group.

Pianese currently sit in 19th place of the Group A Serie C and are located the Tuscany region of west Italy.

The club’s president, Maurizio Sani, also asked to be quarantined even though it’s not clear if he’s infected too. Training has also been suspended to prevent the spread of the virus.

The Coronavirus broke out in China but has since spread across the world. It has affected a couple of high profile events in the Football world.

Italy which has the highest number of reported cases in Europe postponed a host of Serie A matches last week. Also, the Europa League clash between Inter Milan and Ludogorets was played behind closed doors.

The Derby d’Italia slated for this weekend would also be played behind closed doors. The Swiss Football League (SFL) has cancelled games for this weekend after the government banned events expected to draw more than 1000 people.