Former Super Eagles defender and 1980 Africa Cup of Nations champion, Kadiri Ikhana, is currently battling for his life at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Auchi, Edo State, where he is undergoing emergency blood transfusion and intensive medical treatment.
The 68-year-old football icon, who played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s historic first AFCON triumph 44 years ago, is said to be in a critical state and in urgent need of sustained medical intervention.
The news of Ikhana’s deteriorating health was confirmed on Monday morning by former Nigerian captain Segun Odegbami, who revealed that the ex-international was transferred to the specialist hospital after his condition worsened.
Austin Braimoh, the immediate past Chairman of the South-South Police Service Commission, has reportedly been covering the growing medical expenses in a bid to keep the football legend alive.
Fondly called “Kawawa,” Ikhana made his mark in Nigerian football in the late 1970s and early 1980s as a tenacious defender, particularly with Bendel Insurance FC, before earning national recognition.
He featured prominently in the Green Eagles team that defeated Algeria 3–0 in the 1980 AFCON final at the National Stadium in Lagos.
Following his illustrious playing career, Ikhana transitioned into coaching and carved out a reputation as one of the most successful tacticians in Nigerian club football history.
He guided multiple teams to domestic glory and earned praise for his ability to nurture young talent.
His contributions to Nigerian football earned him national honours, including the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) award. He also served as an ambassador for Air Peace, remaining actively involved in football development even after retiring from coaching.
Ikhana’s current health crisis has reignited concerns about the poor welfare conditions of retired Nigerian footballers. The football community has recently lost several former players, including ex-Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, who died two weeks ago at age 61 after a brief illness.
Stakeholders have increasingly criticized the lack of structured healthcare and welfare systems for former athletes, many of whom once brought pride and success to the nation but now face neglect in retirement.