A Nigeria footballer plying his trade in Italy, has become the soccer star to be diagnosed with the deadly coronavirus or COVID-19.
The diagnosis of King Paul Akpan Udoh, 22, who is on loan from Juventus to Pianese, an Italian Serie A side, was announced on Thursday.
The 22-year-old, who has never featured for Nigeria, has been quarantined.
Italy is the country with the highest number of the coronavirus in Europe. Last weekend, Italian football authorities postponed some Serie A matches to curtail the spread of the deadly disease that has been causing panic around the world.
COVID-19 originated from China where it has claimed hundreds of lives.
Before his diagnosis on Thursday, King Paul Akpan Udoh had been playing with the Italian third division side, Pianese. He was immediately taken into quarantine.
The player started his professional career at Reggiana before moving to Juventus youth team in 2011. He had a stint with Fernana and Faro before joining Pianese at the lower division.
His club, Pianese, are yet to issue an official statement on the player’s dilemma.
