Former Nigerian footballer, Ibezito Ogbonna, has explained how he sustained injuries after his house in the Israeli was hit by a rocket fired from Gaza last week.
The 38-year-old was at home with his wife and two young daughters when the building was hit.
BBC Sport Africa stated that Ogbonna’s family were unhurt but the former Enyimba striker was injured and taken to hospital.
“I am extremely lucky to be alive after this rocket was fired and it’s third time lucky for me after being involved in a car crash and a horrible robbery incident in Nigeria.
“We were all aware of the attempt (possible strike) and we always get the warning signs about possible missiles. We often hear as sirens echoed across the city streets which tends to prompt people to rush to a shelter.
Ogbonna’s apartment after it was hit by a missile
“On this day, I was having breakfast and I heard the wailing siren. Normally, we’d run to the shelter because every house has its own shelter. I felt it’s the normal warning, but within seconds it turned out to be an unlucky day for me.
“I heard the loud bang of the rocket and felt the immediate impact, I was thrown into the air and it took me from my dining room to my living room.
I could see glasses and other objects flying around me. I hit the ground, I stood up to look around for my family. They were very lucky too, my wife had taken cover with my daughters, I think one of the doors landed on her.
Ogbonna in hospital after sustaining minor injuries
“I could see the whole building was gone. We are talking about a four-storey building with about 30 people. The security doors between my kitchen and living room ripped out and everything totally wrecked.
“Cars were smashed and it was then I realised I had a cut and my knee was hurting badly before the paramedics took me in an ambulance to the hospital.
“I was in the hospital for a few hours. I was treated and had different tests just to check that everything was okay with me. They weren’t sure I was fine considering what had happened.”
Ogbonna added, “It’s difficult to explain the impact of what I saw. Coming out of this alive was a complete miracle. We are talking about the same attack that has left several people badly wounded.
“We’ve had casualties since this thing started, but you are just grateful to be alive and not listed among the dead.
“A lot of families have been left homeless with their possessions destroyed and a place they’ve always called home flattened.”
The Ogbonnas and 13 other families now stay at a hotel as the Israeli government look to resettle them.
Cristiano Ronaldo had a dream second Manchester United debut with two goals to inspire a 4-1 win over Newcastle United at Old Trafford.
Ronaldo increased his United tally to 120 as he pounced on a first-half, setting Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men on course for the top of the Premier League table.
Newcastle grew into the game and did not allow that setback to dampen their spirits. This paid off in the second half when Miguel Almiron led a counter-attack and Allan Saint-Maximin slipped in Manquillo to finish.
But a United break proved every bit as efficient, with Luke Shaw carrying the ball forward and feeding Ronaldo to fire between Woodman’s legs.
David de Gea stood tall to block from Joelinton when Newcastle threatened another equaliser, but sublime finishes from Fernandes – from around 25 yards – and Lingard, skipping past Jamal Lewis in the box, made the game safe amid a party atmosphere.
FIFA has stopped Premier League clubs from selecting Brazilian players they did not release for international duty for five days at the request of the country’s Football Association.
The players who were not released for the World Cup qualifiers against Argentina and Peru include Raphinha of Leeds, Manchester United’s Fred, Thiago Silva at Chelsea, Manchester City’s Ederson and Gabriel Jesus, as well as Alisson, Roberto Firmino and Fabinho at Liverpool.
It means Fred and Thiago Silva would also be ineligible for Manchester United’s visit to Young Boys and Chelsea’s clash with Zenit St Petersburg in the Champions League on Tuesday.
According to FIFA Article 22 of its Disciplinary Code, the sanctions that may be applied if these restrictions are ignored include fines and forfeiting the match 3-0, although it is unclear what might happen if Leeds and Liverpool, who meet at Elland Road on Super Sunday, both defied any FIFA ruling.
