Former Super Eagles star and renowned coach Kadiri Ikhana is critically ill and battling for his life at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Auchi, Edo State.
The 73-year-old is undergoing urgent treatment, including blood transfusions.
Fellow 1980 AFCON winner Segun Odegbami issued a heartfelt plea for support, calling on the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and the Edo State Government to intervene and assist Ikhana.
Odegbami pleads to save Nigerian legend
In an emotional Facebook post, Odegbami expressed his frustration and concern over the plight of retired Nigerian athletes.
"Another Eagle on death throes. I wish I did not have to do this...again," Odegbami wrote. "But I have to, because it is frustrating. It is absolutely clear to me that most of us, retired international Nigerian athletes, need help. We are suffering, living in pain, poverty and poor health. In the past 4 months, 5 of us have died, and at relatively young ages too."
In his post, Odegbami raised concerns about the toll elite sports may have taken on their bodies. "These deaths may not be totally unconnected with the consequences of 'over flogging' our bodies during our sports careers. Nobody knows for sure.
"What we do know, however, is that we shall never know unless something is done to investigate and understand the causes of these 'early' deaths that are seemingly on rampage this season.
"We are yet to finish mourning and to bury four of the five sports heroes when frustrating news comes, two days ago, of another sports hero at death's gates."
Describing Ikhana's condition as dire, Odegbami revealed that former South-South Police Service Commission chairman, Hon. Austin Braimoh, was the one who brought the matter to his attention.
"A 'good Samaritan', Hon. Austin Braimoh... brought Kadiri's situation to my attention and got me to speak with 'Kawawa' as I refer to Mr. Kadiri Ikhana," Odegbami stated.
"Yesterday afternoon, Kawawa was referred to and transferred to Irrua Specialist Teaching hospital... for more intensive investigation and for immediate blood transfusion in order to save his life. Hon. Braimoh has been paying the mounting bills, so far, to keep Kadiri alive."
Despite his weakened state, Ikhana was able to make a humble request. "In a muffled voice when he was conscious enough and able to utter a few words, Kadiri begged me to ask Nigerians to pray for him. That's what I am doing now."
Odegbami highlighted the recent passing of several other Nigerian sports heroes, raising concerns about the potential long-term health consequences of a demanding career in elite sports. He urged for investigations to understand the causes of these seemingly premature deaths.
According to Odegbami, former South-South Police Service Commission chairman, Hon. Austin Braimoh, brought Ikhana's dire situation to his attention and has been covering the mounting medical bills. Odegbami spoke with Ikhana, who, in a weakened state, requested prayers from Nigerians.
Ikhana's football career has been illustrious, both as a player and a coach. He played for Bendel Insurance, was part of the 1980 AFCON-winning squad, represented Nigeria at the 1980 Olympics, and participated in FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
As a coach, he led Enyimba to a historic CAF Champions League victory in 2003, earning him the CAF Coach of the Year award in 2004. He also guided Kano Pillars to the NPFL title in 2008 and coached both the Nigerian Olympic team and the Super Falcons.
Ikhana's illness comes at a difficult time for Nigerian football, which has recently mourned the loss of legends such as Christian Chukwu, Charles Bassey, and Peter Rufai.
All Comments0