COVID-19: Nigerian Basketball Star Micheal Eric Tests Positive
Nigerian basketball star Micheal Eric revealed that he has tested positive to COVID-19, leaving him out of the basketball team representing the country at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
In an official announcement published by the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Eric, who recently won the European Championship with CSKA Moscow, made the revelation.
“I will not be able to represent my country, Nigeria in this year’s Olympics in Japan,” Eric said. “During the last two and half weeks, my health and physical shape went through a traumatic experience that will, unfortunately, make me miss this tournament.”
Eric, 33, who would have loved to be part of the game, which, he described as being his life-long dream, revealed that the period of isolation and recuperation coincides with camp and Olympic Games.
“I must do what is best for my health and my wellbeing and above all, for the team’s benefit,” Eric added. “Regaining my strength and recovering over time so that I can come back stronger, rather than rushing to play this summer, is what’s best for me and our team.”
Reacting to the development, the NBBF expressed surprise at the news and wished Eric a quick recovery.
“Since making his debut for the team, Eric has established himself as a very important part of what we are trying to achieve as an organisation,” NBBF President Musa Kida said.
“We will definitely miss him, but we hope to see him back soon.”
Chidi Nwoke/The Guardian.
