A 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Turkey on Wednesday morning, prompting initial concerns for the safety of Nigerian footballers based in the country. However, reassurance has come as no injuries have been reported among the Nigerian players following the tremor.

The earthquake, which occurred at 10:46 a.m. local time in Malatya province, caused partial structural collapses in some buildings, but Turkish authorities have confirmed no fatalities. The country is home to over 20 Nigerian footballers, including several Super Eagles players.

Victor Osimhen, one of Nigeria’s top football talents, currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, is among the players based in Turkey. Also playing in the country are notable names such as Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce), Anthony Nwakaeme (Trabzonspor), and Kenneth Omeruo (Kasımpaşa).

Super Eagles midfielders Oghenekaro Etebo and Bonke Innocent are also based in Turkey, playing for Gençlerbirliği and Adanaspor, respectively. The earthquake affected several areas, including Şanlıurfa, home to Olanrewaju Kayode of Şanlıurfaspor, though no injuries have been reported from this region.

In response to the earthquake, schools in the affected areas have been closed as a precaution, and residents rushed into the streets in panic, according to local reports. Tremors were also felt in other provinces, including Diyarbakir and Elazig, as well as parts of Syria.

Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that three buildings had partially collapsed but emphasized that there were no significant damages or casualties. This incident comes months after a devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake in February 2023, which resulted in over 53,000 deaths in Turkey and Syria.

As authorities continue to monitor the situation, the safety and well-being of Nigerian players in the quake-hit regions remain a priority. Despite the scare, the players are expected to continue their football activities.

Nigerian Footballers 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)

The prompt response from local authorities and the absence of serious damage provide relief for football fans and players alike, as life begins to return to normal in the region.