Despite a coaching career filled with accolades, Ikhana now lies critically ill, and appears forgotten by many of the institutions he once made proud

Nigerian football legend Olusegun Odegbami has raised an emotional alarm over the critical health condition of former Super Eagles midfielder and legendary coach Kadiri Ikhana, describing his situation as another “Eagle on death throes.”

In a moving message posted on Monday, Odegbami appealed for urgent assistance for the ailing Ikhana, who is currently receiving treatment at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Edo State.

Dire condition

His condition, Odegbami revealed, is dire and demands immediate support from the government, football authorities, and the Nigerian public.

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

According to Odegbami, Ikhana — affectionately nicknamed Kawawa — was initially attended to in Auchi before being transferred for more intensive medical care.

A former chairman of the South-South Police Service Commission, Austin Braimoh, has so far covered his mounting medical bills, the ex-footballer said.

“Yesterday afternoon, Kawawa was referred and transferred to Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Auchi, Edo State, for more intensive investigation and for immediate blood transfusion in order to save his life,” Odegbami wrote. “Hon. Braimoh has been paying the mounting bills, so far, to keep Kadiri alive.”

Playing and coaching career

Kadiri Ikhana, now 73, is a towering figure in Nigerian football history. As a player, he starred for Bendel Insurance, winning the Nigerian league title in 1979 and the FA Cup in 1978 and 1980. He was part of the historic Super Eagles squad that won the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil and also represented Nigeria at the 1980 Olympic Games and in FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

But it was in coaching that Ikhana truly cemented his legacy.

After coaching stints with clubs such as El-Kanemi Warriors, BCC Lions, Kwara United, Sunshine Stars, Sharks, and Giwa FC, he rose to continental prominence in 2003 when he guided Enyimba to Nigeria’s first-ever CAF Champions League title.

That historic feat earned him the CAF Coach of the Year award.

He later managed the Nigerian men’s Olympic team in 2004 and was appointed head coach of the Nigerian women’s national team in 2012.

Ikhana also led Kano Pillars to their first Nigerian league title in 2008 before resigning a day later, citing corruption in the sport.

Despite a coaching career filled with accolades, Ikhana now lies critically ill and appears forgotten by many of the institutions he once made proud.

“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,” Odegbami wrote.

Death cycle

Odegbami’s appeal follows the recent loss of several former Nigerian athletes, including Super Eagles legend Peter Rufai and Christian Chukwu, prompting concern over the welfare and health of retired sportsmen.

“In the past 4 months, 5 of us have died, and at relatively young ages too. These deaths may not be totally unconnected with the consequences of ‘over flogging’ our bodies during our sports careers,” Odegbami lamented.

The Mathematical, as he was fondly referred to, called on the Edo State Government, the Nigeria Football Federation, the National Sports Commission, and all kind-hearted Nigerians to rally around Ikhana in his time of need.

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