Former Nigeria international and Stationery Stores’ midfielder, Olumide Banjo, is critically ill and reportedly battling with prostate cancer.
An ex-student of St. Finbarr’s College, Lagos; Banjo started his football career along with the likes of Henry Nwosu, Wakilu Oyenuga, late Stephen Keshi among others. He featured for the Flying between 1979 and 1980 before being drafted to the Super Eagles in 1981 under late Brazilian coach Otto Gloria.
Nicknamed ‘Schemer’ for his brilliant display as a midfielder, Banjo said he has been battling with prostate cancer for a while but now needed to be operated upon before it becomes cancerous.
“I have been facing health challenges for some time and have been undergoing treatment for prostate cancer but things got worse last year,” Banjo said.
“I have been to several hospitals but I have now been advised to undergo surgery immediately and I really need financial support in this regard.”
One of his close confidants, coach Akinlawon Akinola Israel of Heyfash FA Foundation where Banjo is a technical adviser, said the former Shooting Stars of Ibadan player needed financial support so that he can undergo an operation as advised by doctors.
“I work with coach Banjo at Heyfash FA Foundation here in Ota,” explained Israel. “He has been sick for a long time and surviving by the grace of God and the support of family and a few friends.
“ His condition is of serious concern and I hope he can be assisted by well-meaning Nigerians,” he added.
Banjo won the 1982 Challenge Cup with Stationery Stores and he scored the first two goals in the 4-1 thrashing of Niger Tornadoes in the final match.