Super Eagles combative midfielder Azubuike Okechukwu is facing lengthy spells on the sidelines due to injury.
The Olympics bronze medalist few days ago ruptured his Anterior Cruciate Ligament when in action for his side Çaykur Rizespor.
And according to a statement from the Turkish Super Lig outfit, the midfielder will be out of action until 2024.
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Anterior cruciate ligament injuries are athletes’ worst enemies, as it is capable of ending an athletes’ career prematurely.
Confirming the injury of the player and his estimated duration on the sidelines, Çaykur Rizespor also confirmed surgery has been done.
According to the official statement, the surgery was successful, and the player has embarked on a healing process.
Super Eagles Azubuike Okechukwu to face lengthy spells on the sidelines due to injury
“Our professional footballer Okechukwu Godson Azubuike, professor of Orthopaedic and Traumatology at the Acibadem Maslak Hospital due to right knee ACL fracture and cartilage surgery,” the club’s statement read.
“Arthroscopic anterior cross ligament reconstruction and cartilage repair surgery was performed by Dr. Mehmet Emin Erdil.”
“Prof. Dr. Erdil stated that the surgery was successful and that the athlete will return to the field as soon as possible.”
Disclosing how long the 26-year-old is expected to be on the sidelines, it said at least 6-9 months.
“The footballer’s estimated return to the fields is estimated to be 6-9 months.
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“We wish our footballer a speedy recovery. We hope that he will return to the fields stronger than before.”
Azubuike was part of Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles team that won bronze in men’s football at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Also, the lucrative playmaker was capped once by the Super Eagles of Nigeria. And he has been engaged in a lot of philanthropic activities in his home town in Nigeria.
Often times, he will donate pair of boots, and other kits to grassroot footballers in his community. And this according to him is a way of empowering and encouraging young prospective footballers.
