Thursday 19 March 2020

Coronavirus: Fans hail Mikel as Turkey record first death, 51 new cases

By Akeem Lawal
FOOTBALL fans have hailed John Obi Mikel after the former Super Eagles captain parted ways with Trabzonspor by mutual consent amid coronavirus concerns.



Sportsbiz247.blogspot.com reports that the 32-year-old called it quit with the Turkish side after coming under criticism in recent days for taking to the social media to express his displeasure with the continuation of the football leagues in Turkey despite the spread of Covid-19 across Europe, and the world at large.

Accidentally, Turkey has now recorded its first death from the novel coronavirus. According to the country’s Minister of Health Fahrettin Koca, a patient, 89, died while 51 additional cases were diagnosed. With the new figures, the number of confirmed cases rose to 98.

Mikel has been commended for taking such a bold decision after voicing his opinon against the deadly virus.

A Tweeter user Zach Lowy observed: “Saturday: John Obi Mikel calls for the Super Lig season to be called off in an Instagram post.

Tuesday afternoon: Mikel “mutually rescinds” his contract with Trabzonspor.

Tuesday evening: Turkey announce the country has 51 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the “total” to 98,” he said @Zachlowy.

Another Twitter user Joseph @JoeAkogun relied: “We thank Obi Mikel for his courage. He speak for the speechless.”

Joshua @SchroerJr said, “I can't believe Turkey are still playing when they are worse off then a lot of counties who closed a while ago. Madness!”



Football Chatters @FootballChat555 said, “Seems like Russia and Turkey are more interested in making a political statement than protecting their people at the moment. Which, considering the kind of person that Putin and Erdogan are trying to portray themselves as, does not surprise me.”

Mikel only joined Black Sea Storm as a free agent on a two-year deal last summer, at the end of his brief stint in the Championship with Middlesbrough.

The 32-year-old played a crucial role in helping Trabzonspor soar to the summit of the Super Lig this season with 19 league appearances.



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