Babangida also said he saw the ex-Nigerian international on his hospital bed and that his health has continued to deteriorate
By Kehinde Okeowo
Tijani Babangida, the President of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigerian (PFAN) has disclosed that his association begged billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola to come to the rescue of ailing former Super Eagles midfielder, Henry Nwosu, who has been hospitalised for weeks.
Nwosu, a member of the Green Eagles’ 1980 AFCON-winning squad, has been receiving treatment at the Asaba Specialist Hospital in Delta State since he fell ill.
Babaginda speaking to The Punch said he saw the ex-Nigerian international on his hospital bed and that he was not in a good state, saying to save him, PFAN had to approach Otedola.
Babangida said, “I was with him some days ago and I was not happy with the state I saw him.
“Henry (Nwosu) needs help to stay alive and as a body, PFAN has opened talks with the Otedola Foundation to see how they can help in getting him better medical treatment abroad so he can stay alive. He served this country and he was a joy to watch. We are also talking to some other individuals that can equally help as well.”
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Nwosu’s former teammate, Segun Odegbami also confirmed Babangida’s assertion that Nwosu’s situation has deteriorated.
Confirming his former colleague can barely see nor sit by himself, the former Nigerian winger called for concerted efforts to save his ailing colleague.
He added, “The sad news I received this morning (Monday) is that Nwosu’s health is not getting better.
“His condition is worsening by the day. We must do everything we can not to let him die. Despite a plethora of recent support, the reality on the ground is that he has been in the same hospital for six weeks. Although the best care the hospital can offer is being provided, this past one week, his situation has worsened badly, he can no longer sit without support, he cannot walk, he has been losing his memory, he no longer eats and has to be fed with liquids only. He is losing his sight and hardly recognises people anymore; he cannot even talk audibly again.”
Meanwhile, Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, represented by Commissioner for Health, Mordi Ononye, and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Olisa Ifeajika, have pledged that the state government would continue to provide financial assistance to the ailing football star.