By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The family of Japan ’93 FIFA U-17 World Cup-winning goalkeeper, Emmanuel Okhenoboh, popularly known by his middle name, Maleke, has appealed to Nigerians and football stakeholders for financial assistance to sustain his treatment after he suffered a stroke.
Okhenoboh, who served as the first-choice goalkeeper for the Fanny Amun-tutored Golden Eaglets squad that conquered the world about 33 years ago, collapsed on the pitch while playing an Edo State Football League game on Tuesday, 28 July, 2026.
He was rushed to the Military Base Hospital on Airport Road, Benin City, from where he was referred to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), where he was subsequently diagnosed with stroke.
The diagnosis has since confined Okhenoboh to his sickbed and a wheelchair, with his siblings shouldering the burden of sustaining his treatment amid mounting medical bills.
According to his family, he was taken home after a few weeks at UBTH, as they could no longer meet the hospital’s costs, and is now receiving treatment from local masseurs and physiotherapists at his residence at 16 Igbineweka Street, off Okhoro Road, Benin City.
His elder brother, Charles Okhenoboh, disclosed that the bills had become a huge burden on the family.
“The bills are becoming a huge burden on us,” he said.
Speaking further on his brother’s condition, Okhenoboh’s younger brother, Francis, appealed to the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the Edo State Football Association, and Emmanuel’s teammates from his grassroots club to the Golden Eaglets and beyond, to come to his aid.
“We are appealing to the leadership of 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 this 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,” he said.
Okhenoboh was a key member of the Golden Eaglets squad that won the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Japan in 1993, a team that also featured the likes of Nwankwo Kanu, captain Wilson Oruma, Celestine Babayaro, Mobi Oparaku, Karibe Ojigwe, Manga Mohammed, Peter Anosike, Festus Okuogha, Charles Okonedo, Blessing Anyanwu, Festus Odini, Ibrahim Babangida now late, Abiodun Ogbebor, Destiny Iyonu, Eloka Asokuh and Emmanuel Babayaro.
Nigerians willing to assist have been directed to make donations to Emmanuel Okhenoboh, First Bank Account Number 3116438356, or to reach his elder brother, Charles Okhenoboh, on 08025835133.
