Super Eagles legend Segun Odegbami has issued an emotional appeal for support for retired Nigerian athletes, citing the critical illness of 1980 AFCON winner Kadiri Ikhana as the latest example of the dire situation facing the country’s football legends.
In a heartfelt statement on Monday morning, Odegbami revealed that Ikhana was fighting for his life at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Auchi, Edo State, whilst calling on government agencies and kindhearted Nigerians to intervene.
The former Nigeria winger expressed frustration at having to make yet another appeal for a critically ill former international, highlighting the pattern of neglect that has characterised the treatment of retired athletes.
“I wish I did not have to do this…again. But I have to because it is frustrating,” Odegbami said in his statement. “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.”
The former Green Eagles star described the timing of Ikhana’s illness as particularly distressing, coming whilst the football community was still mourning recent losses.
“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,” he stated.
Odegbami made a direct appeal to the government of Edo State, the National Sports Commission, the Nigeria Football Federation, and kindhearted Nigerians to come to Ikhana’s aid. The football legend revealed that Hon. Austin Braimoh, immediate past Chairman of the South-South Police Service Commission, had been paying Ikhana’s mounting medical bills to keep him alive.
In a particularly emotional moment, Odegbami shared Ikhana’s personal request during one of his conscious moments in the hospital.
“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,” he said.
The former captain painted a grim picture of the current situation facing retired athletes, describing death as being “on the prowl this ‘season’.”
Odegbami’s appeal comes amid mounting criticism of the Federal Government and the Nigeria Football Federation over the alleged neglect of the country’s football legends.
The recent death of former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai at the age of 61 has already sparked debate about the treatment of national sports icons and the lack of adequate support systems.
Former Nigeria international Etim Esin had lambasted the government’s treatment of national heroes following Rufai’s death, questioning why adequate support was not provided during his illness.
“See Nigeria, see this country, someone will struggle for Nigeria, play for Nigeria, and what will it reward you with? Depression, frustration,” Esin had said.
The controversy has reignited debate about the need for better welfare packages and healthcare support for retired athletes who brought glory to the country during their playing careers.
The football legend’s appeal highlights the urgent need for systemic changes in how Nigeria treats its sporting heroes, particularly in providing adequate healthcare and welfare support during their retirement years.
