Odegbami cries out over ailing football legend Kadiri Ikhana, urges national support

Odegbami Nigerian football legend and sports advocate, Dr. Olusegun Odegbami (MON, OLY), has raised a passionate alarm over the deteriorating health of former Super Eagles star, Kadiri Ikhana, calling on the Nigerian government, sports authorities, and the general public to urgently come to his aid.

In a moving statement titled “Another Eagle on D£ath Throes!”, Odegbami expressed deep concern over the neglect of retired athletes, many of whom, he said, are now suffering in silence due to poverty, illness, and lack of institutional support.

“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 four months, five of us have d!ed—and at relatively young ages too,” he wrote.

He warned that the increasing d3ath toll may be linked to the long-term effects of the physical strain athletes endure during their active years, a health issue he said remains unaddressed in Nigeria.

Odegbami drew special attention to the condition of Kadiri Ikhana, MON—a key member of Nigeria’s victorious 1980 African Cup of Nations team, former soldier, and one of the country’s most respected domestic coaches. He revealed that Ikhana, who is currently battling for his life in Edo State, was recently moved from Auchi to the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, where he is receiving emergency care, including a critical blood transfusion.

“This is a man who served Nigerian football with everything he had—as a player, coach, and mentor. Today, he lies helpless, relying solely on the kindness of others,” Odegbami lamented.

He commended Hon. Austin Braimoh, former Chairman of the South-South Police Service Commission, for covering Ikhana’s medical bills and helping raise awareness about his condition.

According to Odegbami, the ailing football icon managed to whisper a plea from his hospital bed: “Tell Nigerians to pray for me.”

While seeking prayers and support for Ikhana, Odegbami also called for urgent reforms in how Nigeria treats its retired athletes. He urged the Edo State Government, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and other relevant bodies to step in—not only to save Ikhana—but to implement lasting structures for the welfare of former sports heroes.

He ended the statement by extending condolences on the reported passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari and the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, both of whom reportedly d!ed on July 13, 2025.

“May the Creator of the Universe accept their souls in His eternal Home,” he said.

Odegbami’s appeal was accompanied by a recent photo of Kadiri Ikhana—now also serving as an Air Peace Ambassador—lying weak and in need, symbolizing the urgent call for collective national action.

“Please, let’s help him in any way we can,” Odegbami pleaded. “I do not know what else to say or do.”