Urgent support needed: Odegbami calls for help for ex-Eagle teammate Kadiri Ikhana
Dr. Olusegun Odegbami (MON, OLY), a revered figure in Nigerian football, has made a heartfelt plea to the government and the public for urgent assistance for Kadiri Ikhana, a football legend who is currently fighting for his life in Edo State.
In a poignant statement titled “Another Eagle on Death Throes!”, Odegbami expressed his deep frustration over the neglect faced by retired Nigerian athletes, many of whom are now contending with serious health issues and poverty. “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,” he stated.
Odegbami highlighted the tragic reality that several former athletes have lost their lives recently, with five passing away in just four months. He warned that this alarming trend may be linked to long-term health problems stemming from the physical demands of their careers—a subject that has yet to receive adequate attention.
Focusing on the plight of Kadiri Ikhana, a legendary player who was part of Nigeria’s triumphant 1980 African Cup of Nations team, Odegbami shared that Ikhana is currently in critical condition and has been transferred to Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital for urgent care. “This is a man who gave so much to Nigerian football—as a player, coach, and mentor. Now he lies helpless, depending on the goodwill of others to stay alive,” he emphasized.
He acknowledged the efforts of Hon. Austin Braimoh, who has stepped forward to help cover Ikhana’s medical expenses and raise awareness about his condition. In a deeply emotional moment, Odegbami recalled Ikhana’s request: “Tell Nigerians to pray for me.”
Odegbami’s appeal for prayers was coupled with a call for immediate action from the Edo State Government, the National Sports Commission, and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to not only save Ikhana but also establish a robust support system for retired athletes. “We must ensure that former athletes receive proper healthcare and support after retirement,” he insisted.
Wrapping up his emotional message, Odegbami extended his condolences for the recent deaths of former President Muhammadu Buhari and Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, who both reportedly passed away on July 13, 2025. “May the Creator of the Universe accept their souls back Home to Himself in their eternal Home,” he expressed.
Alongside the appeal, a recent photograph of the ailing Kadiri Ikhana, now an Air Peace Ambassador, served as a stark reminder of the urgent need for collective action. “Please, let’s help him in any way we can,” Odegbami urged. “I do not know what else to say or do.”
Source: Vanguard newspaper
