Obodo denies car crash reports

Udinese midfielder Christian Obodo has categorically told KICK OFF that he was not involved in a car crash as reported in the Italian press on Tuesday.

There were widespread reports in Italian television and radio stations that the Nigerian midfielder and his Ghanaian team mate Asamoah Gyan were involved in a car crash on their way back from training, with Obodo said to have been treated for cuts and bruises after being saved from more serious injury by the car's airbag.

The report was picked up by Italian newspapers and internet news sites.

But a bemused Obodo told KICK OFF he was shocked by the reports. "I was just sitting at home with my sister having dinner and watching TV when we saw the story on the news," Obodo said.

"I did not have any accident and I don't know where they got the story from. Asamoah himself called me to ask if I was seeing what was on TV. He was equally surprised."

Gyan was not the only one to call. "My coaches, team mates and friends were calling me the whole day. My phone did not stop ringing but I couldn't switch off because people would think I actually had an accident."

Obodo has been named in Nigeria's 37-man provisional squad to play against Uganda in an African Nations Cup qualifier this month.