Concerns have eased for Nigerian footballers based in Turkey after a 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck the eastern region of the country on Wednesday morning, Soccernet.ng reports.
The quake, which occurred at 10:46 a.m. local time in Malatya province, caused several buildings to partially collapse, but no casualties have been reported so far, according to Turkish authorities.
Turkey is home to over 20 Nigerian footballers, including eight Super Eagles players.
Among them is Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s most valuable player, who joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli this summer.
Also in Turkey are Bright Osayi-Samuel at Fenerbahce, Anthony Nwakaeme at Trabzonspor, and Kenneth Omeruo at Kasımpaşa.
Super Eagles midfielders Oghenekaro Etebo and Bonke Innocent ply their trade with Gençlerbirliği and Adanaspor, respectively.
The city of Şanlıurfa, home to Olanrewaju Kayode of Şanlıurfaspor, was one of the areas affected by the earthquake.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, though officials have closed schools as a precaution.
The tremor was also felt across several provinces in Turkey, including Diyarbakir and Elazig, as well as parts of Syria. Residents in affected areas rushed to the streets in panic, according to local reports.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that three buildings partially collapsed but noted there were no significant damages or casualties.
The earthquake follows the devastating 7.8-magnitude tremor in February 2023, which claimed more than 53,000 lives in Turkey and Syria.
While authorities continue to assess the situation, the safety of Nigerian players remains a top concern as they resume their football activities in the quake-hit region.
Top Nigerian players in Turkey
- Victor Osimhen – Galatasaray (Süper Lig)
- Bright Osayi-Samuel – Fenerbahce (Süper Lig)
- Anthony Nwakaeme – Trabzonspor (Süper Lig)
- Kenneth Omeruo – Kasımpaşa (Süper Lig)
- Ibrahim Olawoyin – Rizespor (Süper Lig)
- Godson Bitok – Gaziantep FK (Süper Lig)
- David Okereke – Gaziantep FK (Süper Lig)
- David Akintola – Rizespor (Süper Lig)
- Ademola Uzodimma – Kayserispor (Süper Lig)
- Godfrey Obekpa – Bodrum FK (Süper Lig)
- Blessing Osuji – Manisa FK (1. Lig)
- Tosin Lawal – Kocaelispor (1. Lig)
- Paul Mukairu – Boluspor (1. Lig)
- Emeka Eze – Pendikspor (1. Lig)
- Olanrewaju Kayode – Şanlıurfaspor (1. Lig)
- Oghenekaro Etebo – Gençlerbirliği (1. Lig)
- Tochukwu Kosoko – Ümraniyespor (1. Lig)
- Michael Ologo – İstanbulspor (1. Lig)
- Azubuike Okechukwu – Erzurumspor FK (1. Lig)
- Bonke Innocent – Adanaspor (1. Lig)
- Stanley Ohawuchi – Erbaaspor (2. Lig)
