Omogbo tragedy: “I can’t believe it,” basketball-playing family member speaks out

Omogbo1 — Emmanuel Omogbo was born in Nigeria but has spent most of his life in the United States. Photo: USATSI

Nigerian born basketball player, Emmanuel Omogbo, whose parents, niece and nephew were killed in a house fire, Tuesday morning, says he is still in shock.

Omogbo who plays for Colorado State University told ESPN that he had talked to his father just before the fire started.

“I had talked to him an hour before the fire. Thirty minutes before the fire started, we were texting. He was supposed to come out soon to see me play,” he said.

The 20-year-old who got the news via phone said he blanked out afterwards.

“I’m still in disbelief. I still don’t know if it’s hit me. I guess I just have to stay strong because I can’t do nothing about it now. I can’t flip out because that won’t bring back my parents and my nephew and niece.”

Omogbo featured in the last 10 minutes of his team’s match just about 24 hours after the chilling accident.

“It’s what my dad would have wanted. I wanted to honour them by stepping on the court,” he said..