By Victor Kanayo
A Tottenham Hotspur defender, Destiny Udogie, who is born to Nigerian parents but plays for Italy’s National team, is now facing severe racism.
This was after he was congratulated by the town where he was raised – Nogara, following his Italian debut with the country’s senior national team.
Nogara is on the outskirts of Verona.
Nogara Thumps Up
While congratulating him via social media platform, the Nogara town council celebrated his debut for the Italy national team with a post, describing him as one of the heroes of the town.
There Comes The Bully Comments
Shortly after, the message became a target for racist insults terming the 20- year-old as a Nigerian and not a real Italian.
Specifically, a post went as far as telling him that he should go back to Nigeria.
Mayor’s Clarification
Reacting angrily to the racist comments via a statement, the Mayor of Nogara Flavio Pasini said they tracked people who made the comments and found out they are not from the town.
He said, “I want to be clear: we stand against any comments made against the colour of Destiny’s skin. Udogie is from Nogara and it is unacceptable to read certain things said about a young man who was born and raised in my town, who made his dream come true with his debut in the Azzurri jersey.
“I tried to figure out who had written these things and realised those insulting him are not from Nogara, but rushed to our Facebook page to insult a good guy for no reason. He is one of us and we are very proud of him.”
Udogie’s Choice, Bow
Before Udogie settled for Italy where he was part of their youth set up, he was also eligible to play for Nigeria.
He made his senior international bow in the 4-0 win against Malta and had his first start in the 1-3 loss to England.
