Former Golden Eaglets goalkeeper Emmanuel Okhenoboh, who helped Nigeria conquer the world at the 1993 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Japan, has suffered a stroke and is now battling for recovery.
Okhenoboh, fondly called Maleke, collapsed while playing in an Edo State Football League match on July 28, 2026.
He was immediately rushed to the Military Base Hospital on Airport Road, Benin City, before being referred to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with stroke.
The former international has since been confined to a wheelchair and sick-bed, with his family struggling to cope with the cost of his treatment.
After spending several weeks at UBTH, his siblings were forced to take him home when the medical bills became too difficult to sustain.
He is currently receiving treatment at his residence at 16 Igbineweka Street, off Okhoro Road, Benin City, where local masseurs and physiotherapists have been attending to him.
His elder brother, Charles Okhenoboh, said the family had been overwhelmed by the financial demands of keeping the former goalkeeper in treatment.
“The bills are becoming a huge burden on us,” Charles said.
Another sibling, Francis Okhenoboh, appealed to sports authorities, former teammates and well-meaning Nigerians to come to the player’s rescue.
“We are appealing to the leadership of the National Sports Commission, Nigeria Football Federation, Edo State Football Association, Emma’s teammates from his grassroots club to Golden Eaglets and beyond to come to his aid.
“We, his family members, have spent a fortune to sustain his treatment these past couple of months.
“It has not been easy, especially when we consider the economic situation of the country. But we have to save his life.
“Please, fellow Nigerians, help us to save Maleke. He has to live.”
Okhenoboh was the first-choice goalkeeper of the Fanny Amun-coached Golden Eaglets side that won the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Japan in 1993.
He shared the historic squad with several players who later became prominent names in Nigerian football, including Nwankwo Kanu, Wilson Oruma, Celestine Babayaro, Mobi Oparaku, Karibe Ojigwe, Ibrahim Babangida and Emmanuel Babayaro.
The family is now calling on the NSC, NFF, Edo State Football Association, Okhenoboh’s former clubs and teammates, as well as Nigerians willing to help, to assist with his recovery.
HOW TO HELP
Account Name: Emmanuel Okhenoboh
Account Number: 3116438356
Bank: First Bank
Contact: 09035709856
Charles Okhenoboh (Elder Brother): 08025835133
Watch video of Emmanuel Okhenoboh on sick-bed:
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