Odegbami Cries Out For Ailing AFCON Hero, Kadiri Ikhana

Former Super Eagles of Nigeria captain, Segun Odegbami, has made a public appeal to save one of the country’s forgotten icons, Kadiri Ikhana.

Kadiri Ikhana, a member of the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner, is now critically ill and fighting for his life in a hospital bed in Edo State.

In a statement, Odegbami said Ikhana is currently receiving treatment at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, clinging to life with the faint hope that his country will not forget him in his darkest hour.

“I wish I did not have to do this…again. But I have to because it is frustrating,” Odegbami wrote.

Odegbami’s latest cry for help comes just days after the Nigerian football world was still mourning the loss of four revered sports figures, making Ikhana’s health battle feel like salt rubbed into a fresh wound.

“It is clear to me that most of us, retired international Nigerian athletes, need help. We are suffering, living in pain, poverty and poor health,” he lamented.

In a moment that underscores the gravity of Ikhana’s condition, Odegbami recounted the frail star’s whispered plea: “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.”

According to Odegbami, it is Hon. Austin Braimoh, the immediate past Chairman of the South-South Police Service Commission, who has been shouldering the medical costs, alone, keeping Ikhana alive while official support remains absent.

The former No. 7 called on the Edo State Government, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Federal Ministry of Sports, and every Nigerian to save Ikhana, and also fix the broken system.

“Death is on the prowl this ‘season’,” Odegbami warned ominously, as he called attention to the disturbing trend of retired athletes passing away with no structured support or medical care in place.

Just recently, the death of former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai at 61 stirred fierce criticism.

Former Nigeria international, Etim Esin openly blasted the government, asking, “See Nigeria, see this country, someone will struggle for Nigeria, play for Nigeria, and what will it reward you with? Depression, frustration.”