BY JOE APU
THE charity football match organised by Samuel Eto’o was unceremoniously called off on Saturday following the attempted coup that rudely shocked the government of Turkey.
The cancelation which was at the behest of the Cameroonian international would have provide former Nigerian internationals an avenue to show case their talents alongside other world soccer stars leaving Austin Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Nollywood star Pawpaw and comedian AY all stranded in Turkey.
A lot of playing and retired footballers, are currently in Antalya, Turkey. were scheduled to feature in Eto’o’s charity match scheduled to take place saturday, July 16th, in celebration of the 10th anniversary of his foundation.
Unfortunately, a coup attempt in Turkey, which resulted in the death of over 90 people, prevented them.
Hazard Eden, Puyol, Michael Essien, Kolo Toure, Kanu Nwankwo, JJ Okocha, AY Comedian, Paw Paw and many others are currently in Turkey.
Meanwhile Reigning World footballer of the year Lionel Messi and his teammate Andres Iniesta cancelled their flights to Turkey following the failed military coup in the country. The pair were scheduled to join other football stars play a match in Turkey that was organised by Samuel Eto’o, their former teammate, to commemorate the 10th anniversary of his charity foundation. However, the match was cancelled after a military coup was attempted in Turkey late Friday night.
Barcelona football club posted a Tweet confirming both players were in Spain and wouldn’t be traveling to Turkey for the match.
Messi, Neymar, Luis Suarez, Eden Hazard, Francesco Totti, Michael Essien, Xavi Hernandez, Carles Puyol, Eric Abidal, Jay Jay Okocha, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, Andres Iniesta, Demba Ba, Didier Drogba and Arda Turan were all expected to take part in the game.