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Tag: Kadiri Ikhana

  • Ikhana thanks Dunia, Nigerians after leaving  Abuja Turkish Hospital

    Ikhana thanks Dunia, Nigerians after leaving  Abuja Turkish Hospital

    Ailing former Super Eagles coach, Kadiri Ikhana,  has  been discharged  from the Turkish Hospital in Abuja  where he underwent an advanced medical care courtesy of philanthropist Peter Omoh Dunia.

    The cheering news was delivered by  a close associate of the billionaire businessman, Harrison Jalla who doubles  the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the PROFESSIONAL Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN).

    :”Coach Kadiri Ikhana was discharged last night, Monday, 28th July 2025,” Jalla stated in a message to the media.

    Read Also: WAFCON 2024: Ajibade, Alozie, Nnadozie,  Okoronkwo  named in Best XI

    According to the former Nigeria International,  the coach returned to the hospital yesterday for cataract removal surgery ‘and to be fitted with a hearing aid to improve his hearing impairment.’

    He  said  Ikhana was  deeply grateful to God and  all Nigerians for their prayers  eve as he thanked businessman Dunia , ”whom God has used to cover his substantial medical expenses.”

    Recall that  Ikhana was relocated from  Auchi, Edo State  to the Abuja hospital  about a fortnight ago  after a consultative meeting with the philanthropist Peter Omoh Dunia at the instance of Jalla.

  • Ikhana discharged, remains under medical watch

    Ikhana discharged, remains under medical watch

    Nigeria’s former Super Eagles international, Kadiri Ikhana, has been discharged from Irrua Specialist Hospital, Edo. He, however, remains under close and strict medical observation.

    This development follows weeks of intensive treatment at the hospital, where Ikhana was admitted for an undisclosed illness. Doctors say his condition is being closely monitored.

    Read Also: NFF mourns legendary  ‘Professor’ Monday Sinclair

    Harrison Jalla, Chairman of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) Task Force, confirmed the discharge to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Saturday.

  • I am getting better, says ailing Ikhana

    I am getting better, says ailing Ikhana

    Ex-International, Kadiri Ikhana has assured Nigerians of his quick recovery following an ailment that has kept him bedridden for quite a while.

    The renowned  tactician, who made the disclosure in a telephone conversation with Dr. Segun Odegbami noted that he is receiving good treatment after interventions from family members and well-meaning Nigerians.

    According to Odegbami, “At 6:30 this morning, my ringing phone woke me up. At the other end was the unmistakeable voice of Kadiri Ikhana, MON.

    “We spoke for about 5 minutes. Still straining to speak clearly, Kadiri says he is healing. He is still at the Irrua Specialist Teaching hospital, Irrua, Edo State.

    Read Also: NNL Awards: NFF pledges increased  support for grassroots football dev’t

    “He wants me to thank all Nigerians for their prayers and support. He assures me he is receiving good treatment and getting better.

    “On his behalf, and that of his children that have been in touch and are supporting him from their bases abroad, I thank the many Nigerians that have reached out to him through me, offering support whenever the full medical reports and requirements are known – the Chairman of AirPeace, the Governor of Kwara State, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, and the Comptroller-General of Customs.

    “The Governor of Edo State has sent representatives to visit Kadiri and offered to take responsibility for treatments.

    “Particularly, I thank Hon. Austin Braimoh whose contributions and friendship with Kadiri have been most helpful.

    “I urge Nigerians to continue to pray for Kadiri, their football hero, as he continues to heal through the divine help of our Creator.”

  • ‎Edo Sports Commission’s Boss visits ailing Ikhana

    ‎Edo Sports Commission’s Boss visits ailing Ikhana

    Disturbed by the distress calls and reports on the poor health condition of ex-International Kadiri Ikhana, the Edo State Sports Commission Chairman, Hon Desmond Amadin Enabulele has responded with a solidarity visit to  the ailing former Bendel Insurance player  and coach at the Irrua Specialist Hospital, Irrua.

    ‎The Edo State Sports Commission boss who was represented by the Executive Director, Edo North in the Sports Commission, Honourable Frank Ilaboya, led a team of officials of the commission to Irrua Specialist Hospital where the ailing Coach Kadiri Ikhana has been receiving treatment.

    ‎On receiving the Ilaboya-led team, the award winning coach said he was already in high spirit with the message he got from the Edo State Sports Commission chairman.

    Read Also: Oshoala, Plumptre return as NFF list 24 Super Falcons for WAFCON

    ‎Coach Ikhana  thanked the Edo State Sports Commission boss for the visit and said:” This gesture will aid my quick recovery process. I am grateful for what you have done. I feel better and think I’m good enough to leave here tomorrow.”

    ‎He described Enabulele as a pragmatic leader and prayed for him to succeed in leading the commission to an enviable height. He also wished his former club Bendel Insurance FC success in the 2025/26 football season.

    ‎ Ilaboya was accompanied by Hon Osaro Jeffrey, the Coordinator of Bendel Insurance and Faith Ojeaga, a member of Edo State FA Board, representing Edo Central.

  • Odegbami raises alarm over critically ill Kadiri Ikhana

    Odegbami raises alarm over critically ill Kadiri Ikhana

    Former national team captain, Chief Segun Odegbami  has raised  alarm over  the condition of  his former 1980 AFCON –winning teammate, Kadiri Ikhana, saying the former Enyimba International FC coach is  fighting for his life at a hospital in Edo State.

    According to Odegbami, the former Green Eagles’ defender and celebrated coach is critically ill and hospitalised at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Edo State.

    “This is frustrating,” Odegbami  shared on a social media platform. “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.”

    Odegbami further revealed  that  five former athletes have died in the past four months, most of them at relatively young ages. While the causes remain uncertain, he warned that the physical toll of years of sporting activity may be contributing to the spate of untimely deaths.

    He described Ikhana’s condition as “critical,” revealing that the former Bendel Insurance stalwart and Nigeria’s most successful domestic league coach was recently transferred to the specialist hospital for intensive medical care, including immediate blood transfusion.

    The call for help was sparked by Austin Braimoh, former Chairman of the South-South Police Service Commission, who has so far covered Ikhana’s mounting medical expenses and alerted Odegbami to his condition.

    Read Also: CAF mourns ex-President Buhari

    In a frail voice during a moment of consciousness, Ikhana, popularly known as “Kawawa,” reportedly asked for prayers from Nigerians.

    Kadiri Ikhana, MON, is widely revered not just for his time with the national team, but also for his success as a coach—guiding Enyimba FC to Nigeria’s first-ever CAF Champions League title in 2003 and contributing significantly to the growth of local football in the country.

    Odegbami’s appeal came  amid a wave of sorrow following the passing of two prominent national figures—former President Muhammadu Buhari and the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona—on Sunday , July 13.

     “Death is on the prowl this season,” Odegbami concluded, attaching a recent photo of Ikhana and expressing his helplessness. “Please, let’s help him in any way we can. I do not know what else to say or do.”

  • Kano Pillars board accepts ‎Ikhana’s verbal resignation ‎

    The Kano Pillars Football Club’s board has accepted the resignation of its Technical Adviser, Coach Kadiri Ikhana.

    The media officer of the ‎club, Idris Malikawa said this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Kano.‎
    ‎
    “The management of Kano Pillars FC accepted his resignation in good faith and wish him full recovery for the sickness which he said was the reason to quit his job.‎

    “Though we got the information through press interview granted the media late Sunday night, but we thank Kadiri Ikhana for his contributions to the club,” Malikawa said.‎

    He said Kadiri was not in Enugu for the match against Enugu Rangers but communicated with journalists and club officials from Abeokuta to announce his resignation with immediate effect.‎

    The media officer assured that the relationship between the club and Ikhana will be sustained.

    He said that  a new coach would be announced  within the week and the players had been given five days mid-season break.‎

    He then urged the fans of the club to exercise  patience as  the board  is doing everything in its capacity to bring the club to its winning ways.

    Coach Kadiri Ikhana was reappointed  technical adviser of Kano Pillars in November, 2016.

    The 64-year-old  returned  to take charge of the club for the third time since helping it to clinch its first-ever Nigerian league championship in 2008.

    Tukur Babangida-led management  ratified the re-engagement of Ikhana following the exit of former coach Mohammed Babaganaru.

  • Kano Pillars arrive in Kaduna today

    Kano Pillars arrive in Kaduna today

  • I’m leaving Enyimba a fulfilled man – Ikhana

    I’m leaving Enyimba a fulfilled man – Ikhana

    Kadiri Ikhana, the former Technical Adviser of Enyimba football club of Aba, said he is exiting the club a fulfilled man based on the successes recorded.

    Ikhana said on Tuesday that he is happy that his return to the club was able to create the enabling environment for the team to achieve the feat of winning the Federation Cup in 2014 and the League cup this year.

    The veteran coach who described his stay in Aba as another turning point in his career noted that he is at home with the decision of the club’s management to hire a new coach.

    According to him, Enyimba remain his club and would always be happy to be associated with the story of the club.

    “I will tell you that I am not at war with any one over the decision to hire a new helmsman in Enyimba, I was there before and won the league and CAF Champions League in 2003 and left, to me there is nothing new with what happened between the management and myself.

    “I will continue to pray for the club success while I await God’s next move for me. I love coaching and challenges and wherever the tide takes me to, I will do my best as always,” he said.

    He also said that the new coach that would be hired will get the best of result in Aba if only he is focused. “Aba is a good place for many good coaches to succeed. My piece of advice to whoever they will engaged is that he should be focus and with that he will achieve the desired result,” he said.

    It would be recalled that the management of Enyimba FC and the Edo born tactician parted their separate ways during the week when the People’s Elephant announced its decision to hire a new coach.

  • Don’t expect Enyimba miracle – Ikhana

    Don’t expect Enyimba miracle – Ikhana

    Coach Kadiri Ikhana   has advised those  expecting Enyimba International of Aba to repeat their feat in 2003  and 2004 when they won the African Champions League trophy for the country, to start thinking twice.

    Ikhana, who is the technical adviser of the Aba Elephants, said that the scenario is very different as nothing much should be expected from the team.

    “In 2003 when we won the trophy for the first time, the environment was very conducive, and Enyimba players’ welfare was very paramount. We prepared very well. The team spent over one month in training in Markudi before our first match.

    “But this time around, the scenario is entirely different. The players entitlements have not been paid, and the team is yet to move into camp until now. If we prepare for only one week and anybody is expecting us to win this time around, then that is a tall dream. Winning the Champions League is not something you achieve without proper preparation,” he said.

    Kadiri Ikhana-tutored the 2003 Enyimba team that won the African Champions League trophy for the first time after over 40 years of trials.

  • Nigeria football will be worse in three years unless…

    Nigeria football will be worse in three years unless…

    By Taofeek Babalola

     

    Enyimba FC Technical  Adviser, Kadiri Ikhana has bemoaned football administrators in the country for their non-challant attitude towards players’ welfare.

    The former African best coach stated this in an interview with SportingLife after examined the abject poverty the Nigerian players had been subjected to due to their unpaid wages by their respective clubs.

    Majority of the clubs in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) are still owing  players their entitlements.

    The former Kano Pillars gaffer expressed fear that the state of football in the country would be worse in the next three years if the administrators fail to respond to players’ yearnings.

    “The country administrators must take players’ welfare very seriously. The country must ensure that the players dues are been paid as at when due. Owing players salaries is not a good thing and it is not encouraging,” the former Kwara United coach voiced.

    “Players used all their energy to get results and at the end of the day they are still running after administrators and labour to get their hard-earned money. The players’ welfare should be look at and if the country fails to take player’s welfare as priority the result in the next three years will be worse.”

    Kaduna United owed its players to the tune of fifteen month salaries last season. The likes of Dolphins FC, Sharks FC of Port-Harcourt, Bayelsa United, El Kanemi Warriors as well as Akwa United carried placards to the State Government houses to demand for their money.

    It took the urgent intervention of the Akwa Ibom state governor Godswill Akpabio who released the sum of N200million naira to offset Akwa United’s players’ bill after their protest to his office.