Super Eagles legion in Turkey including new Galatasaray new man and former Napoli Talisman, Victor Osimhen, have been confirmed safe and sound following a 5.9-magnitude earthquake that rocked Turkey early morning of Wednesday, October 16.
Aside from Osimhen who joined Galatasaray after series of failed transfer efforts, Eagles stars in Turkey include; Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa) and Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce) among others.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelNo fewer than 20 Nigerians ply their trade in the Turkish Süper Lig. Interestingly no report of harm to any following the earthquake has recorded.
Following the tremor, Galatasaray issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter), expressing relief that no loss of life or serious damage was reported. The club wrote:
“We hope that the earthquake, whose epicenter was in the Kale district of Malatya, will not cause any loss of life or property. We convey our well wishes to all citizens affected by the tremor.”
Several Turkish cities, including Diyarbakir and Elazig, also felt the effects of the earthquake, as well as parts of Syria. However, authorities have assured the public that the situation is under control.
Turkey’s Environment, Urbanisation, and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum Thursdaystated that 20 buildings were heavily damaged in the eastern Elazığ province.
READ ALSO: Osimhen Ruled Out Of Eagles Clash Against Mediterranean Knights
Kurum shared the damage assessment on his social media account. “We have identified 20 heavily damaged and 517 slightly damaged buildings in Elazığ, and 18 slightly damaged buildings in Malatya,” and urged citizens to remain calm.
The earthquake struck the Kale district of Malatya at 10:46 a.m. on Oct. 16 and was also felt in neighbouring provinces, particularly Elazığ. Initial reports indicated partial collapses in three buildings.
As of today, 25 teams from the General Directorate of Construction Affairs of the Environment, Urbanisation, and Climate Change Ministry conducted damage assessments in Malatya, while 27 teams worked in Elazığ. A total of 1,211 reports were evaluated in both provinces.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya also commented on the earthquake, confirming there were no fatalities, but stating that 187 people had been affected. Some 43 people were receiving inpatient care with minor injuries.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.