Former Nigeria captain and coach Christian Chukwu has received US$50,000 from billionaire oil tycoon Femi Otedola to enable him get medical treatment overseas.
Chukwu, was in dire need of financial assistance to offset the cost of surgery and other medical treatment to restore his debilitating health.
Chukwu will now travel to the UK in early May for the treatment, according to source close to the former Super Eagles coach.
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Completesports.com gathered that the the COO of Otedola’s company – Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd, Philip Akinola, presented the cheque to Chukwu in Enugu on Wednesday
“The tycoon’s decision is a “token of support to a great Nigerian who served his country to the best of his ability,” a source close to the billionaire stated.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had originally offered to step in to help the 68-year-old, who captained the Super Eagles to their first Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980.
By Johnny Edward>
COMMENTS
Yes oooo. Way to go, sir! A step in the right direction. A more permanent and preferred solution is to have a fund, where people can contribute to. The fund can then be managed, and the income generated can be distributed to retired athletes. Also from this fund, emergency needs can be met, as in Chukwu’s case. Just a rough idea that can be polished up and expanded as needed.
You are very correct @ pompei. In a country where politicians who serve for just 4 years (4 years in which all their living expenses and that of their families are borne by the govt), same politicians would legislate huge severance packages and even life pension, for 4 years of doing nothing but further impoverishment of the life of the people.
A sportsmen endowment fund is long overdue. Our sportsmen (mostly) as well as Nigerian born professionals in various fields of endeavor within and outside the country are still the only reason for the little good name Nigeria has globally. Lets not let the labours of these heroes past go in vain.
And thanks to Oga Otedola too. Some people can donate 100m to 1bn to atiku or buahri’s campaign but wouldnt bat an eyelid when cries for help like these are raised. May the almighty reward his benevolence.
Well said, Dr. Drey.