29th December, 2010
By Adebobola Alawode
There are strong indications that Plateau United’s midfielder, Olaniyi Olayinka, who suffered serious injuries during the bomb blasts that rocked different locations in Jos on Christmas Eve may not play his darling game, football, again.
Despite undergoing a successful surgery at the Bingham University Teaching Hospital, BUTH, in Jos yesterday, P.M Sports reliably gathered that the chances of the combative midfielder playing football again are very slim. Information reaching P.M.Sports early today has it that Olayinka still needs another surgery to correct the effect of the bomb blast on his face and legs.
One of the medical personnel at BUTH, who craved anonymity, disclosed that Olayinka is still in the Intensive Care Unit, ICU, at the teaching hospital, adding that because of the severity of his injuries during the bomb blast, he would need another surgery.
The source, however, said he is doubtful if Olayinka would still be able to play football again after the surgery.
According to the source, “the operation was successful, but he is still in the ICU closely monitored by the doctors. But I must confess the injury the player suffered is very serious. The blast did a grievous damage to his leg and the left side of his face. That is where the surgery is needed. At the end of the day, the chances of him playing football again is very slim
P.M.Sports was told by a close friend of Olayinka that the player was at the Tina junction in Nasarawa Gwom area of Jos, when the bomb blast occurred and this has left the career of the footballer, who only recently recovered from a groin injury, seriously threatened.
His coach, Ndubuisi Nduka, described the latest setback to Olayinka as unfortunate and a big blow to the team.
Nduka pledged that members of the team will do all they can to support the injured player.
The board of Nigeria Premier League, NPL, headed by Davidson Owumi has also shown its readiness to assist the player to recover.
