By Peter Omopo
Edo State, July 21, 2025 — Nigerian football legend and former Green Eagles star, Kadiri Ikhana, has been discharged from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Edo State after three days of treatment for an undisclosed illness.
His recovery has been hailed as “nothing short of a miracle” by his former teammate and chairman of the International Sports Academy, Chief Segun Odegbami, who shared the update via LinkedIn late Sunday night.
“Kadiri Ikhana, MON, my Green Eagles colleague that I reported was gravely ill last week, recovered quickly after intensive care and was discharged following comprehensive medical tests,” Odegbami wrote. “All his medical bills were fully settled by the Edo State government.”
Odegbami said he spoke with Ikhana on Sunday morning, confirming that the veteran coach remains under medication and wears a catheter as part of his recovery regimen. Ikhana was cheerful and deeply appreciative of the outpouring of support from across the country.
“He wants me to thank all Nigerians for their showers of love and prayers,” Odegbami added.
As part of his recovery process, Ikhana has temporarily relocated from Auchi to Abuja to rest and continue treatment. He made a stopover in Lokoja on Sunday to visit family members, including his eldest sister and her husband, Pastor and Mrs Jonathan Abioye. A photo shared online shows the former coach standing beside the couple.
Odegbami also conveyed a message of gratitude on behalf of the Ikhana family: “We thank the Creator of the Universe, the Government of Edo State, his friends, and several other concerned Nigerians who rose up to support and pray for him.”
Meanwhile, preparations are underway for a “Night of Tributes” in Lagos to honour five Nigerian sports icons who passed away in the last six months. Sponsored by Air Peace, the event is scheduled to hold in eight days, with further details expected to be released this week.
