Nigerian football icon and former Green Eagles star, Segun Odegbami, has provided a reassuring update on the ailing former teammate, Kadiri Ikhana.

He shared news on the health status of his fellow ex-international who was recently reported to be in critical condition.

Odegbami, in a late-night statement shared with the public, disclosed that Ikhana’s recovery has been nothing short of miraculous.

After being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital for three days, the former Enyimba coach responded remarkably well to treatment and has since been discharged.

“All his medical bills were settled by the Edo State Government,” Odegbami noted, adding that preliminary medical tests have been completed, with further evaluations scheduled for three weeks’ time.

Despite still wearing a catheter and being on serious medications, Odegbami said Ikhana was in high spirits when they spoke earlier in the day.

“He was cheerful and very grateful to all those who came to support him morally, physically, financially and spiritually,” he said.

In a move aimed at facilitating his recovery, Ikhana, with the approval of his elder brother, sisters, and some of his children, has temporarily relocated from Auchi to Abuja to rest and continue his treatment. He arrived safely in the capital on Sunday night.

On behalf of the Ikhana family, Odegbami extended profound gratitude to the Edo State Government and individuals who rallied around the ailing legend.

He specifically mentioned Shettima, Hon. Austin Braimoh, Chief Peter Dunia, and “several other concerned Nigerians” for their outpouring of support and prayers.

Kadiri Ikhana, a member of Nigeria’s victorious 1980 Africa Cup of Nations squad and a revered coach who led Enyimba to CAF Champions League glory in 2003, remains one of the nation’s most respected football figures. His improving health is welcome news for fans across the country.

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BY JOHNKENNEDY UZOMA, OWERRI

A foreign football scout, Siñervo-Nicol Tina, has pledged her unwavering support to help propel local Nigerian side, Akabo United Football Club, to the international football scene through sustained development and professional exposure.

Speaking during a press conference held at the Community Primary School Akabo playing ground in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, Tina, who is also the Vice President and promoter of the club, expressed delight at the progress made by the team since her involvement in 2022.

Tina, a sports management and administration expert trained at Finland University, revealed that she became associated with the club during a visit to Imo State for a school-related program. She said her mission was to contribute to building a competitive football team that would stand shoulder-to-shoulder with elite clubs in Nigeria and beyond.

“I am already tightly connected to Akabo United, which originally started as Legacy Club before we registered officially with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC),” she explained. “We are building a scouting programme that is gaining recognition not only here in Imo State but also in Abuja, Lagos, and other parts of Nigeria.”

Tina, who has a background in managing Nigerian teams and collaborations with Finnish football academies, emphasized her commitment to nurturing grassroots talent. She described the players as strong and energetic and disclosed her long-term dream of establishing a football academy in Imo State to further harness local potential.

“As a career woman and sports promoter, my mission is to uplift young people through football. We are committed to helping our players find opportunities abroad,” she added.

She called on the government, corporate bodies, and well-meaning individuals to support Akabo United FC through sponsorship and funding, which she said would help elevate the club to greater heights.

Earlier, the club’s founder and head coach, Arikibe Darlington, hailed Tina as the backbone of the team, highlighting her role in opening doors for the players through her wide network. He reaffirmed the club’s progress since its inception in 2018, despite financial constraints.

“Funding remains a major challenge,” Darlington noted, “but with Siñervo-Nicol Tina’s dedication and contacts, we have travelled to different places and gained exposure.”

The event was capped by a team photograph, with Tina flanked by Coach Darlington and the players of Akabo United FC, symbolising unity and hope for a brighter football future.

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BY TOSIN OMOJOLA, MEDIA OFFICER, 3SC

The newly appointed Executive Chairman of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan, Taiwo Lekan Salami, has paid a courtesy visit to the leadership of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). This visit is part of his ongoing familiarisation tour since assuming office.

Salami met with NPFL Chairman, Gbenga Elegbeleye, at the league body’s headquarters in Abuja, where both football administrators engaged in constructive discussions aimed at fostering the growth and development of the domestic league.

During the brief but impactful meeting, the duo brainstormed on key issues affecting club football in Nigeria, with a focus on strengthening the operational capacity of 3SC and aligning the club’s vision with the broader goals of the NPFL.

The visit underscores Honourable Salami’s commitment to repositioning the Ibadan-based club as a competitive force in Nigerian football, while also reinforcing strategic relationships with key stakeholders.

Details of the deliberations were not made public, but both parties reportedly expressed optimism about the future of 3SC and the NPFL under their respective leaderships.

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