Former ES Sétif midfielder Augustine Tunde Oladapo has expressed his sympathy and support for the people of Algeria following the devastating wildfires that have swept across parts of the North African nation.
Sports247 reports that Algerian authorities confirmed on Monday that 127 of the 146 wildfires recorded across the country within the last 24 hours had been brought under control, while emergency responders continued battling 19 active blazes.
According to Lt. Col. Nassim Bernaoui, Head of Media and Public Awareness at the General Directorate of Civil Protection, firefighters are working alongside army personnel, forestry officials, local authorities, and volunteers to contain the remaining fires and prevent further destruction.
Reacting to the tragedy, Oladapo, who previously played for Algerian giants ES Sétif before moving to Saudi Arabian side Al-Wehda FC, shared an emotional message reflecting on his special bond with the country.
“My heart goes out to Algerians during these difficult times caused by the recent fires breakage in some of its beautiful forests.”
The Nigerian midfielder, who has also featured for Gombe United, Enyimba FC, and TP Mazembe, revealed that his time in Algeria remains one of the most cherished periods of his career.
“I wish peace and security to the country where I lived for a whole year, a year in which I felt happy and at home, and where my daughter was born, becoming half Algerian and half Nigerian. Long live dear Algeria!”
Oladapo’s heartfelt tribute has resonated with football fans in both Nigeria and Algeria, highlighting the strong connections football creates beyond the pitch.
As firefighters continue their efforts to extinguish the remaining blazes, messages of solidarity have continued to pour in from across the sporting world, with Oladapo joining many voices praying for the safety of affected communities and the swift recovery of the country’s treasured forests.
