Outrage As Young Footballer Dies After Being Thrown Into River Over ₦80k Debt
- A teenage footballer has died in Italy after being thrown into a river over an alleged ₦80,000 debt
- The authorities have charged one teenager with the killing of the youngster, and he is currently under house arrest
- The teenager’s father is demanding justice and the resumption of the search to bury his son in Senegal
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A 13-year-old footballer has tragically died after being allegedly thrown into a fast-flowing river in Italy over a £40 (₦80,000) debt.
The victim, identified as Abdou Ngom, born in Italy to Senegalese parents, was reportedly attacked and thrown into the Tanaro River in Verduno, Piedmont region, after travelling there with four of his friends from a nearby town to spend time at a riverside beach.
Source: UGC
According to the Daily Mail, authorities say the Juvenile Prosecutor's Office in Turin has charged one of the teenagers with murdering his friend, and he is currently under house arrest.
Investigations also revealed the incident may have been a violent attempt to recover just over ₦80,000 that Abdou allegedly owed.
Abdou's death is one too many in the football world, as it follows the death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, who tragically passed after a car crash.
Also, a South African club confirmed the death of Sinamandla Zondi and paid a glowing tribute to the talented footballer who had contributed to their season.
Abdou Ngom killed over ₦80,000 debt
Police interrogations have revealed chilling details of the incident. One witness told investigators:
“Abdou said he couldn’t swim, but the other guy grabbed him and threw him in the water.”
The tragic event that occurred on April 21, when, despite the pleasant weather, the currents in the Tanaro River were dangerous.
Source: UGC
According to Daily Express, rescuers searched for Abdou for a week but eventually had to abandon their efforts due to the treacherous conditions.
Abdou was a promising young footballer who played first for Bra FC before joining a team in Roreto, Cherasco. His death has reportedly sparked outrage in his community.
Father demands justice over son’s death
Abdou’s father, Khadim Ngom, expressed deep anguish over the loss of his son, describing the teenager’s football dreams and love for the sport.
“He dreamed of becoming a footballer… but he couldn’t swim. Unfortunately, I wasn’t home that day, and he left without telling his mum where he was going.
“Otherwise, we would never have let him go to the river with those friends,” Khadim said.
Khadim also urged authorities to resume the search for his son’s body.
“I hope this breakthrough in the investigation will at least lead to the search for my Abdou being restarted. I just want them to let us bury his body and have a grave where we can mourn him.”
Abdou’s family has expressed their wish to take his body back to Senegal for burial once it is recovered.
Young Nigerian footballer dies in England
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that a young Nigerian footballer, Ethan Ade-Oduwale, sadly passed away at the age of 10 in Charlton Athletic Football Club’s academy in England.
Ade-Oduwale, until his death, was a member of Charlton’s U10 team, where he was cherished by the coaches, teammates and other staff.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
