Tag: Peter Anieke

In a swift reaction to The Nation Sport & Style’s exposé on bedridden ex-Green Eagles’ star striker, Peter Anieke, about 20 Lagos-based  former footballers, Tuesday, paid solidarity call to the ex-Stationery Stores player at his Oba New Site home in Lagos.

Initiated by footballer turned politician, Chairman of Surulere Local Government, Hon. Tajudeen Ajide, under the auspices of Professional Footballers of Nigeria (APFON), the ‘Team Ajide’ arrived the Anieke home around 1.00pm and spent quality time with their friend, mentor, and hero. The call helped to lift the otherwise lonely Anieke physically and spiritually.

Among the ex-players that made the get-well-soon- visit were Tajudeen Disu, ex-Flying Eagles and Abiola Babes defender, Austin Popo, ex-NNB, and incumbent Executive Secretary of APFON, ex-internationals Peter Nieketien, Emmanuel Iyoriobhe and McAnthony Anaelechukwu. Others were Michael E. Etim Snr, Peter Nnorum, Banjo Kamilu, Amuda Ibrahim, Ikechukwu Enieger, and Alhaji Ojikutu Trust, Bremner Alada, Adewale Omotayo, Alfred Kossi, and Danladi Musa.

Hon. Ajide and others took turn to offer soul-lifting messages and prayers for the Aniekes with banter freely thrown at each other, to the delight of the aged Anieke, who evidently enjoyed the moments.

The Sport City boss personally donated a handsome amount to the family with the promise to visit regularly and assist in meeting their day-to-day food provision and upkeep. For Mrs. Anieke, who had to close down her kiosk due to funding after her husband took ill, he also promised to resuscitate her business by making available a freezer and generator, including other facilities that will be of help to kick-start her trade. “We know that our brother and mentor (Anieke) cannot provide for the family due to his poor health, so we need to empower madam (Mrs. Anieke) to be able to provide for the family at this time of need.”

Hon Ajide, who distinguished himself as a defender in Societe Generale Football Club, Shola Motors, Prime Stars, ACB, Colchester United (English Division 3), and Wimbledon (English Division 1), noted that Peter Anieke inspired him and many others in their days. “I remember his older brother, who coached me at Societe Generale, and we all looked up to them. When I read about his problem, I told myself we have to do something, that is why I called a meeting, and we got ourselves together to, if nothing, pay a visit to him. We must have passion for ourselves because if we don’t, who will? Bunmi Adigun is having his own health challenges and I make it a point of duty to support him. I think it is the right thing to do.”

Celebrated for his sensitive programmes towards lifting the aged in his community and identifying with ex-footballers in dire need, the former ACB defender noted that the desire is natural and in-born. “I’m just doing what a noble person should do to assist when you see a person in need. I felt that it is something I have to do especially now when there is no unity in the players’ body. It is up to somebody to take up the mantle and help. That is why I am doing it. The major problem here is the inability of our members to come together as one so that we can assist those of us that are sick and fall on bad times. I’m fortunate enough to be in government now and in my tight schedule, I find time to do this because that is where my happiness lies. I’m not a social person but I love to do this; cater for whomever I can cater for with the little I have at my disposal. Nevertheless, we need to understand that money and position are not important, because these are the reasons why we are having splinters in the players’ body. It is to control the finances instead of thinking how to help members. I know people in our body who have money yet they don’t come out to help their colleagues in need. What is the use of having a body when members can not contribute to help others? It is not just about ex-players and ex-internationals but also about current players, everybody, to contribute to a common purse to lift up the body and members. They should not forget that one day they will retire too from active football. The truth here is that a structured organisation will sustain an individual organisation. Therefore, if we have a structure, it is no longer about individual. We just need to sit down and harmonise. We have the numerical strength. All we need to do is to come together as one and take care of one another.  We are not unified and it is affecting the length and breadth of what we can do to assist our elders. Ordinarily, we ought to have a committee that would go around checking on our elders and those that need our assistance.”

Popo, who spoke on behalf of APFON, said the visit to Anieke was to cheer him up and identify with his problem. “When Hon. Ajide brought your case to our meeting through The Nation’s publication, we felt very sad and he made us to understand the need to identify with you. That is why we decided to come together for this visit and FIPRO is promising that we shall do all we can to bring this matter to the awareness of those at the helms of our football and other eminent Nigerians so that that you can be on your feet again.”

Popo, who played alongside Stephen Keshi in the national team, also decried the disunity and discord among ex-footballers as militating against the smooth running of APFON: “The case of Anieke is not new to the union and we have always tried to do the best we can. I remember when Austin Ofokwu had his problem, we were with him until he went to be with the Lord. We were the ones that bought his burial casket. Recently, Sylvester Eghoge had a challenge in Warri, he had one of his leg amputated, Peter Fregene was bedridden and we are working on how we can assist them in conjunction with influential ex-footballers like Hon. Ajide. The pitfall regarding ex-players is a global phenomenon but elsewhere they have in-built mechanism that takes care of all these and we have been trying to do the same here, but because some of our people only think about their interests our efforts have all come to nothing.”

Reacting in a voice laden with emotion, Anieke said if his friends and fans had come out earlier, his health would not have deteriorated to the level it is now.

He said: “Honestly, if I had got people who watched me play that had come out earlier than this time, to see my condition, maybe I would have been okay. Many people have come to see me but few had fulfilled their promises. They promised heaven and earth, yet nothing was done.

“As I did say in the interview, it is not money per se, but how I would get myself treated either spiritually or otherwise. My health matters a lot. Unfortunately, we ex-footballers don’t remember one another when we get to positions. I recall that I sent people to Patrick Ekeji when he was in the National Sports Commission (NSC) to assist me and his response was that I should apply. I felt very bad and it is a shame that we don’t help one another. If Patrick (Ekeji) cannot help me (Peter Anieke), then who will he help? He is retired now and the question is how he

Once a household name for his sterling performance for Stationery Stores and Green Eagles, but now Peter Anieke is writhing in pains due to a strange ailment. Taiwo Alimi met the ‘dying’ former goal poacher at his Lagos home. 

THE first impression you get on sighting Peter Anieke, former Stationery Stores and Green Eagles scoring machine, was that of a forgotten man writhing in severe pains, anguish, loneliness, distressed, yet hopeful.

On getting to his home at No 3, Akamo Street, Iba New Site in Iyana Oba, a suburb of Lagos State, his wife of over 30 years, a beautiful and well-mannered woman ushered us (reporter and photojournalist) into their sparsely furnished living room.

For the 60-plus ex-international to emerge from his room to the adjoining sitting room, it took him a painful five minutes for a distance of less than 20 meters. His laboured movement can easily be misread for that of a heavy trunk being dragged on the floor and each step was accompanied by a dry, loud grunt.

When he eventually emerged, the once ‘terror of defenders’ appeared broken and shattered. His legs are swollen, ten times than normal. He supported himself with a cane, but even that could not help much, as his massive torso crumple over the walking stick and the affected legs are bent to breaking point. Clearly, ‘Eusebio’, as he is nicknamed after the Portuguese soccer legend, was in deep pains. Pains that have become permanent for him, his aged wife, children and family for about three years now.

This transfiguration in the life of the once ebullient goal scorer for Stationery Stores and the Nigerian senior team in the 60s and 70s was tear-evoking.

This rare kind of rheumatism and arthritis rolled into one not only produce swelling and pains, but also deform his joints, making it impossible for him to perform simple tasks.

Efforts to get physical or spiritual cure have taken Anieke to several states in the country, to many healing homes, both orthodox and traditional, spiritual institutions and millions of naira had gone down, all to no avail.

Another hero of Nigerian football is dying, and uncared for.

Peter Anieke is no ordinary Nigerian. He is a patriot, who from 1965 to 1976 alongside Peter Fregene, Anthony Igwe, Augustine Ofuokwu and Paul Hamilton formed the bedrock of the Green Eagles; Nigeria’s senior national soccer team, and scored countless of goals for the country. He also represented the country at the 1968 Olympic Games hosted by Mexico and his exploit with the famous Lagos team, Stationery Stores, will never be forgotten by fans of the club. He is among few Nigerian strikers to score in his debut for Green Eagles.

In spite of the troubled time, Anieke’s radiant spirit is still there and it manifests in his crispy clear voice. “The ailment is well over two years now. I noticed that my legs began to swell and I applied local balm and hot water but it did not have any effect, rather they became swollen the more. So I went to my clinic and for months they were just giving me injection and there was no improvement. From there, I was advised to go a specialist hospital, so I went to LUTH where countless tests were run and more money was spent but no result. My son later took me to a traditional healing home and during one of the healing sessions, the herbalist removed cowries and other fetish substances from my legs and thereafter I felt some relief. But because of his fees, having collected N200, 000 to start and more later, I had to discontinue the treatment and for about six months now I have not been there. The pain and swelling have returned. I cannot do simple tasks without aid. To walk is very difficult, and for days I just lie down on one spot. I don’t go out because taking a step is very painful. The pain is much from my knee joints down to my toes. Daily, I engage somebody to rub them with a powerful balm for the pain to subside a little.”

Though it may not be proved medically or scientifically, a ring of spiritual attack (voodoo) is not out of the equation. “I was told by the herbalist that my ailment is cursed by spiritual attack and I believe him because I saw him remove cowries, rings and other kinds of irons from my legs. I don’t know who could have done this to me because I am the easy going type. Sadly, it is happening when I should have settled down after working very hard to train my children, who are graduates, and enjoy the fruit of my labour. My wife doesn’t have a life again. She cannot visit her children, even to take care of our grand children. She has to stay with me all day because whenever I need to do anything I can’t do it unaided. All I want is to get cured; I don’t care where it is coming from, orthodox or traditionally.”

A player full of life in his hey days, Anieke’s friends, football federation and country have all deserted him at this time of need. “But for some old friends like Nathaniel Ogedengbe, who resides in the U.S, Governor of Lagos State, Raji Fashola, who sent N200, 000 to me for my hospital bill, and my children, I have not been reached by any other persons or group. I am sure people at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and National Sports Commission (NSC) must have read about my predicament, and yet they have not called, visited or helped me in any way. I am not a happy man. When I played for my country, we simply did it for the passion we had for the game and the country. We did not get anything like appearance fees or big match bonuses and no preferential treatment like being housed in a big hotel before matches. I did not make so much money and had to work extra hard to train my children. I do not own a car. Even this house that I live in was built by my only brother who died many years ago. I inherited the house and I took care of his children and mine together. It is because of that bitter experience that I told my children that none of them must take football or any sport as a career. Whenever I see football in this house I deflate and throw it away. I made it very clear that education is more important than football in my home and all my children today are graduates doing well for themselves. I don’t have any of my sons playing football, except for my second son, who played for his university, and I warned him to get his degree first before any other thing. God blessed me with six children; four boys and two girls, and, by His grace, they are all graduates.”

In his heart of hearts, Anieke is, however, still a consummate player. His voice brightened and his face lighted up when the topic switched to his soccer exploits in the 60s and 70s. It is like they say ‘a player will always be a player’. “Of course! I do still remember 1968 Olympics. I remember my teammates, even other athletes on that journey to Mexico. I do know that many of them are late but I remember people like Peter Fregene, Anthony Igwe, Augustine Ofuokwu, Samuel Okoye, Segun Olumodeji, Samuel Opone, Oshodi Muyiwa, Paul Hamilton, Kenneth Olayombo, Mohammed Lawal, Durojaiye Adigun, Willy Andrews, Sebastian Broderick-Imasuen, Clement Obojemene, Ganiyu Salami, Fred Aryee, Joseph Aghoghovbia and Yakubu Ibrahim. The atmosphere was electrifying and a privilege to represent our dear country at that time.”

Anieke became a household name in Lagos when he starred for Stationery Stores and won the Challenge Cup (FA Cup) back to back in 1967 and 68. “I started my career in Jos on the streets where I was picked up by a youth club owner. It was there that Plateau United invited some of us to sign for them. We travelled down to Lagos to play the semi-final of the FA Cup when Leventis United, Stationery Stores and ECN indicated their interest to sign me but I opted for Stores because my friends and national teammates like Opone, Jerry Azinge and others were playing for Stores. I doubt if any Stores supporter who watched me play will ever forget me. I was at the top of my career and scored many goals. I played a major role in their FA Cup back-to-back victory in 1967 and 1968. We defeated WNDC and Plateau United respectively to lift the coveted trophy.”

In the national team, he was equally magnificent, scoring on his debut match against Dahomey – one of the few Nigerians who have achieved that in history. “I remember that match vividly. It was against Dahomey (Now Benin Republic) in the year 1965. I was known throughout my playing career as a sharp shooter and I think I scored many goals. I can’t remember all my goals but I can tell you they were many. It earned me the nickname ‘Eusebio’ after the Portuguese top scorer in the 1966 World Cup. He was the highest goal scorer at the tournament with nine goals and that same year when we played Ghana in the annual Nigeria-Ghana clash, I impressed and scored many goals and my style was likened to that of Eusebio by Nigeria’s leading commentators then; Ishola Folorunso and Ernest Okonkwo. I was tagged ‘Eusebio of Africa’ by Nigerian journalists and that was how it stuck on me.”

For all this achievement, aged Anieke said he could trade it all to get back a sound health. “My health is all that matters to me now. I’ve travelled all over Lagos looking for solution. I have gone to Delta, Osogbo (Osun State); any where I feel there are powerful traditional doctors, who can help me. I have spent a lot of money and right now feeding is even a problem. And I don’t want people to think that I’m doing this for money. If you think you can take me to a place where I can be treated and be fine for the rest of my life, I will gladly accept it.”

Mrs Anieke has been there for her husband. Throughout the interview, the expression on her face was that of a fighter – tired, worn out and about to give up. “All I want is for my husband to be well. That is all I’ve always wanted. Whoever can help us should come out. He has done so well for his country and should not be forgotten to die like this,” she said simply.

Anieke is not only forgotten by the society he has helped illuminate with his sublime skill, he is forgotten, also, by the FA he represented and the country he served so well.

It is, perhaps, because of Peter Anieke and many other unsung heroes in the world that F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote this line: “Show me a hero and I’ll write you a tragedy.”

Just few days after the demise of former Super Falcons’ coach, Joseph Ladipo (Jossy Lad), NationSport can reveal that another ex-Green Eagles midfielder, Peter Anieke is lying helpless at his LASU road residence, in the Igando area of Lagos, striken with a strange ailment and he’s seeking help for his predicament.

With his knees and ankles completely swollen, the former Stationary Stores’ creative midfielder, said he’s been battling with the ailment for two years now, and that series of medical examinations have been carried out to no avail.

According to him, though the cause of ailment has not been ascertained, more worrisome for him is the lack of funds to undertake more sophisticated treatment outside Nigeria.

“My brother I can’t really say the cause of the sickness. I have tried to examine it medically but nothing has been found. I am a pensioner but can’t even walk to the Bank when my stipend is paid. I rely on neightbours to help me get to the Bank if I must feed. I don’t go out and staying on one spot can be killing.

“It started about two years ago, but it was not as severe as it is now. I feel serious pains in my knees and ankles and each time I visit the clinic or the hospital, they inject me and give me some drugs but no improvement has been recorded. As I am talking to you right now I know the pains that I feel inside me.

“The Doctors have not been able to say exactly what I am suffering from. They would just examine me and commence treatment. The x-ray I took last has been given to the doctors; I don’t know what the report of the x-ray is.

But with demise of ex-players like Haruna Ilerika, Rashidi Yekini, Yakubu Mambo, and recently Joseph Ladipo to mention but a few, Anieke hopes that the attention of the government should shift to alleviate the sufferings of those that have served the country with their football talents.

He, however, appreciated the Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), for showing concern recently, as he also commended BIIV Promotions, an organisation made up of ex- football players for their efforts towards his helping him out of his predicaments.