Ghana footballer Christian Atsu trapped in Turkish Earthquake

•GFA prays for Atsu

By Amaechi Agbo

Ghanaian football player,, Christian Atsu has been reportedly trapped in the rubbles of Turkish Earthquake on Monday.

Reports emerged that the former Chelsea star is among thousands of people yet to be accounted for following the earthquake that rocked the country on Monday morning

Atsu who played for clubs in England is currently under the employ of Hatayspor.

More than 1,800 people have been killed and thousands more injured after a powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Turkey and Syria early on Monday.

The quake, one of the strongest to hit the region in more than 100 years, struck 23 kilometers (14.2 miles) east of Nurdagi, in Turkey’s Gaziantep province, at a depth of 24.1 kilometers, the US Geological Survey said.

Multiple strong aftershocks have been felt across the region for hours after the first quake, including a severe quake measuring magnitude 7.5.

Turkey’s disaster agency appealed for help from the international community as it conducts search and rescue operations, several world leaders have call to offer humanitarian support to Turkey

Several players of Hatayspor have been rescued following the earthquake, Atsu and club sporting director Taner Savut are still unaccounted for. A search and rescue Operation is ongoing

Atsu’s former club Newcastle United tweeted: “Praying for some positive news, Christian Atsu.”

The Ghanaian international spent several years in England playing for top clubs like Chelsea, Everton, Bournemouth and Newcastle. He joined the Turkish outfit in 2022.

Currently, hashtag #prayforchristianatsu is trending on Twitter with former Black Stars captain, Asmoah Gyan tweeting “Oh God, plssss” with a picture of Atsu.

GFA prays for Atsu

Meanwhile, the Ghana Football Association, GFA has stated that it is praying for Atsu even as it is making efforts to establish contacts with the Turkish Football Federation.

The GFA in statement while hopeful for “positive news” added that it is contacting all Ghanian players in Turkey to ensure they are fine.

“We pray for Ghana International Christian Atsu and victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria.

“We continue with our efforts to establish contact with officials of Hataspor and the Turkish Football Federation, considering the difficult situation.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Christian Atsu and our brothers and sisters in Turkey and Syria. We remain hopeful for positive news

“National Teams Department of the GFA has been contacting all Ghanaian footballers within Turkey and Syria to ensure their safety in this difficult moment.

“We will continue to liaise with all authorities and NGOs as we remain hopeful for positive news on all of them,’ the statement concluded.