Ikhana Calls for Welfare Scheme for Elderly Ex-Players

Kadiri Ikhana, a former defender for the Green Eagles and gold medalist at the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations, has called on the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to establish a welfare plan for elderly former Nigerian players. Ikhana, who also coached the Super Falcons to a fourth-place finish in the 2012 Africa Women’s Championship, emphasized that many older internationals are struggling financially due to the harsh economic conditions in Nigeria.

He proposed that the NSC and NFF develop a scheme to provide monthly stipends to former players over 70 years old to help alleviate their financial burdens. Ikhana appealed to NSC leaders Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade to present this case to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting the recent death of Dominic Nwobodo, which highlighted the sacrifices made by these players.

Ikhana has a rich history in Nigerian football, including coaching Enyimba to win the CAF Champions League and currently running the Kadiri Ikhana Football Academy in Auchi, Edo State.