Nigerian football legend, Dr. Olusegun Odegbami, has made a heartfelt public appeal for urgent intervention and support for his former teammate and fellow ex-international, Kadiri Ikhana, whose health condition has reportedly deteriorated severely.
In a moving statement, Odegbami painted a grim picture of the plight faced by many retired Nigerian sports icons and called on government authorities, sports bodies, and compassionate Nigerians to act swiftly to save Ikhana’s life.
“I wish I did not have to do this… again,” Odegbami began. “We, Nigeria’s retired international athletes, are suffering—living in pain, poverty, and poor health. In the past four months alone, five of us have died. Many of these deaths have occurred at relatively young ages, and while no one can say for sure, we suspect they may not be unconnected to the physical toll exacted on our bodies during our sporting careers.”
He continued, expressing his frustration and heartbreak over the lack of adequate support for national heroes who once brought glory to the country:
“It is clear to me now—most of us need help. We are yet to even finish mourning and burying four fallen colleagues when I received news, just two days ago, of Kadiri Ikhana, lying critically ill and fighting for his life.”
Ikhana, a 1980 AFCON-winning hero, former Nigerian Army officer, and one of the most decorated coaches in Nigerian domestic football, is currently in a precarious state.
He is receiving treatment at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Auchi, Edo State, where he was referred for urgent blood transfusion and further intensive care.
Odegbami revealed that Hon. Austin Braimoh, immediate past Chairman of the South-South Police Service Commission, had been footing Ikhana’s medical bills and alerted him to the dire situation.
“Kawawa,” as Ikhana is fondly called, managed to utter a few words when conscious. In a muffled voice, he begged me to ask Nigerians to pray for him. That’s what I’m doing now—pleading on his behalf.”
“This is not just about Kadiri. It is about the dignity and well-being of all retired athletes who served this country with all their strength. Let us not wait until another hero dies before we act.”
Kadiri Ikhana is remembered for his pivotal role in Nigeria’s 1980 AFCON triumph, his dominance with Bendel Insurance, and his coaching stints that delivered league titles with clubs like Enyimba FC, whom he led to their historic CAF Champions League title in 2003.
As the outcry grows louder, it is hoped that prompt intervention can not only save Ikhana’s life but also shine a spotlight on the neglected welfare of Nigeria’s sporting heroes.
