The horrific events that have transpired over the last three days have not only left Indians across the country reeling, they have also sent shockwaves throughout the world, especially for those planning to visit the city. Mumbai has three local teams plying their trade in the I-league, and there a number of footballers of foreign origin, who call the city their home.

Mahindra United’s Edeh Chidi hails from Nigeria, and reveals that he spent quite a few anxious moments witnessing the horror that gripped the nation on television, and hoping for it all to end soon.

“I have been watching the local news channels continuously for the past three days, and following each new development. It is shocking and unbelievable and all my condolences go to the people who have lost their family in this disaster,” says Chidi. The striker is housed in the western suburb of Kandivali, far away from the terror strikes but he reveals that he was still deeply affected by the events unfolding in south Mumbai.

“I still think twice before going to open the door, when someone knocks on the door here. It is very unsettling when one hears things like that some terrorists have escaped and they are still out on the loose,” says Chidi.

“I was asked by the manager and the team members to stay put at home and not venture out. So I just followed their orders and didn’t take the chance of leaving the house,” he says. The Jeepmen’s target-man reveals that he has no idea when he will start playing football again, and is hoping to take a break and travel.

Chidi says that he regularly goes shopping to Colaba and likes spending time in that part of town, but admits that he will take some time to recover from this shock. “I have no idea how long it'll take me to be comfortable with traveling to that side of town again,” he adds.

The Nigerian also reveals that he had visited the Taj Mahal hotel in the past for appointments, and considers it to have been one of the grandest hotels in the world.

“It was so sad to see such an extraordinary monument being burned down like that, especially with so many people trapped inside,” says Chidi.

Felix Ahmed Abogaye has played for a few years for local outfit Mumbai FC and in spite of being stunned by the turn of events in the last few days, is confident that the city will be back to its vibrant best very soon. The striker even attended team practice at Borivali on Saturday, and says that he is still very comfortable with staying back in the city.

“We live in a world where these things happen all the time. I was saddened by the scenes that I have been seeing on TV. But I am still confident that this is a safe city,” says Felix. His team played an I-league encounter against JCT on the fateful Wednesday, and Felix, who also is a Kandivali resident, is relieved that the game finished early, and he could get home safe.

“I do not go to town-side too often, but if I have to, I will not think about it twice. The security forces have done an excellent job in handling the situation,” says the Ghanian.

Both men do admit to have received requests from their families back home to return to the safety of their homeland, at least for a while.

“My family does not know too much about India and especially Mumbai, and were really worried about my well-being. They even asked me to come back immediately. But I am on a professional contract here with Mahindra and cannot return, even though I wouldn't mind going back for a few days,” says Chidi. Felix though is happy to stay back, and is desperate to start playing football again, and wishes that the people of Mumbai unite together and put up a brave front now.

The repercussions of the dastardly events that have unfolded ever since that bloody Wednesday night, will definitely be unprecedented and the wounds will take a long time to heal. But it is a positive sign that the city, including those who ply their trade here, have already woken up with their spirit intact.