Calgary soccer star survives earthquake – but worried for teammates
Calgary soccer star Sam Adekugbe is working with the Red Cross, urging Canadians to donate to quake relief.Adekugbe plays professionally in Turkiye, for Hatayspor, in the devastated city of Antakya.
He survived the disaster, but is worried for his community and teammates
“I thought I was having a panic attack,” Adekugbe told TSN. “And then the shakes just kind of progressed more and more. I started hearing things getting thrown around the kitchen. Plates, cups and all sorts, just hitting the ground.”
“The TV fell over, the table stand fell over, and that's when I realized what was going on."
Adekugbe says some teammates left his place just before the quake, including one player who he says is still unaccounted for.
His team's sporting director is also missing.
He says buildings collapsed and roads are split throughout his community, with many victims trapped in rubble.
“There's so many things to process at that moment in time. Of course your safety is one, but you're just thinking about so many things. You're thinking about what other people are going through, you're thinking about how lucky you are to still be alive.”
Adekugbe and fellow Canadian national team player, Atiba Hutchison, who also plays pro soccer in Turkiye, have set up their own website to raise funds:
Adekugbe, 23, moved to Calgary from the UK with his family, when he was 10. He played for Canada in the World Cup in Qatar.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
BREAKING Toronto Maple Leafs fire head coach Sheldon Keefe
The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Sheldon Keefe. The team made the announcement Thursday after the Original Six franchise lost to the Boston Bruins in seven games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Bank of Canada says financial system is stable, but risks remain
The Bank of Canada says the Canadian financial system is stable, but risks remain due to debt servicing costs among households and businesses and stretched valuations of financial assets.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Court to hear about search for remains as Winnipeg murder trial enters second day
A courtroom in Winnipeg is expected to hear testimony today about the search for the remains of the four victims of Jeremy Skibicki.
Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
'We can and we must do better': First ever Air Accessibility Summit hits Ottawa
Federal ministers, airline executives and members of the disability community are gathering in Ottawa today for the first ever Air Accessibility Summit.