Ex-internationals, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, Vincent Enyeama, Super Eagles players including Mikel Obi, Ahmed Musa, Brown Ideye, Odion Ighalo, Kenneth Omeruo and the Nigeria Football Federation joined the rest of the world to express their condolences to the families of players and officials of Brazilian club Chapecoense, who were killed in the tragic Colombian plane crash on Monday night.
At least 75 people died after a plane carrying members of the first team and coaching staff, as well as a number of journalists, came down in Cerro Gordo in Colombia.
The plane – a British Aerospace 146 short-haul aircraft – was carrying a total of 72 passengers and nine crew members, including a total of 22 Chapecoense players, according to reports in Colombia.
While leading other national team mates in delivering a heartfelt tribute to the players, Captain of the Super Eagles, Mikel Obi said, “Thoughts are with @ChapecoenseReal right now … Stay strong, the football family is with you ??.”
Leicester City forward, Ahmed Musa said via @ahmedmusa718, “My thoughts and prayers go out to all the players’ families and everyone associated with @chapecoenseReal football club???????.”
Ogu who plies his trade in Israel with Hapoel Be’er Sheva, posted a logo of the club on his Twitter account with a message, “A very sad day for me ??. RIP to everyone involved.
Watford striker, Ighalo said via @Ighalojude, “Sad News. Thoughts are with @chapecoensereal and their family?.”
“My thoughts and prayers go out to all the players families and everyone associated with @ChapecoenseReal football club??,” Olympiacos forward, Ideye posted via @Ideyebrown.
Alanyaspor defender, Kenneth Omeruo posted on Instagram, “This is a sad day for football.. ???. Let’s all please pray for the families of the deceased.”
Okocha, a former national team captain posted on his Instagram page, official_jj10, “#Horrible news# my condolences to the families, fans and club members, sad day.” While Vincent Enyeama said via @vinpee, “RIP to the dead. Healing to the wounded and broken. Fortitude to bear the lost to the families, fans friends and loved ones.”
The Nigeria Football Federation commented on social media: “Our thoughts are with @CBF_Futebol and Mgt. of Brazilian club @ChapecoenseReal following their loss in a plane crash #ForcaChape.”