Nigerian football legend and former Super Eagles captain, Segun Odegbami, has raised an emotional alarm over the deteriorating health of 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winner, Kadiri Ikhana, as he called on government agencies, sports bodies and kindhearted Nigerians to urgently intervene.
Odegbami, in a heartfelt statement on Monday, revealed that Ikhana is currently battling for his life at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Auchi, Edo State. The ailing football hero, who was an integral part of Nigeria’s first AFCON triumph in Lagos in 1980, is said to be in critical condition and in need of emergency medical support.
“I wish I did not have to do this…again. But I have to because it is frustrating,” Odegbami wrote. “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 winger, fondly known as ‘Mathematical’, lamented that Ikhana’s situation is yet another painful reminder of how Nigerian sports legends are abandoned after years of dedicated service to the nation. His appeal comes just days after the football community was thrown into mourning following the death of another ex-international, Peter Rufai.
Odegbami revealed that Hon. Austin Braimoh, a former chairman of the South-South Police Service Commission, has been single-handedly footing the growing medical bills to keep Ikhana alive. He described the reality facing Nigerian ex-athletes as grim and unacceptable.
In a particularly touching moment, Odegbami shared Ikhana’s personal plea from his hospital bed. “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 wrote.
He further called on the Edo State Government, the National Sports Commission, the Nigeria Football Federation, and well-meaning Nigerians to urgently provide financial and moral support to the ailing sports icon.
Odegbami’s emotional appeal also sparked renewed attention on the welfare of retired athletes in Nigeria. He noted that deaths among former footballers and Olympians are becoming too frequent, describing the season as one of grief.
The recent passing of former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, has intensified public concern over the lack of a structured support system for retired sportsmen and women. Former midfielder Etim Esin had earlier criticised the government’s apparent apathy towards players who sacrificed their youth and energy for national glory.
“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 in a statement.
As tributes and criticisms mount, Odegbami’s heartfelt call is expected to spark a new wave of national conversation about honouring and protecting Nigeria’s sports legends—not only in death but also in life. He emphasised that now is the time to act and ensure that the likes of Kadiri Ikhana do not become forgotten heroes.