Kadira Ikhana: 5 things to know about ex-Super Eagles battling for his life

Legendary former Super Eagles star and master coach Kadiri Ikhana, MON, is currently in critical condition at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Edo State.

His hospitalisation has reignited national concern over the welfare of retired Nigerian sports heroes.

Former teammate Segun Odegbami has issued a heartfelt appeal urging support.

Here are five things to know about the Super Eagles legend.

Ikhana was a key midfielder in Nigeria’s historic 1980 Africa Cup of Nations title run, helping the Green Eagles lift their first continental trophy, a milestone etched in Nigerian football history.

Nigeria's historic win in the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) marked a major milestone in the country's football history.

On March 22, 1980, the Green Eagles, as the team was then known, defeated Algeria 3-0 in the final held in Lagos, Nigeria.

This victory not only brought joy and pride to the nation but also validated years of effort and hope.

The 1980 AFCON victory remains a cherished moment in Nigerian football history.

Before gaining fame with the national team, he starred for Bendel Insurance, winning the Nigerian league in 1979 and FA Cups in 1978 and 1980.

Post-retirement, Ikhana coached Enyimba FC to Nigeria’s first-ever CAF Champions League title in 2003, earning CAF Coach of the Year honours that same season.

Enyimba defeated Ismaily of Egypt 2–1 on aggregate to win the biggest club football in Africa.

His managerial stints included El-Kanemi Warriors, Sunshine Stars, Sharks, Giwa, Kano Pillars, Nasarawa United, and even the Nigerian Women’s National Team where he demonstrated his depth and versatility in domestic football.

Ikhana signed a four-year deal, replaced Eucharia Uche as the coach of the Super Falcons in 2012.

Ikhana resigned his position as head coach of the Nigerian senior women football team, the Super Falcons in November 2012 after his team’s failure at the African Women Championship (AWC) in Equatorial Guinea.

Falcons lost to Cameroon in the championship’s third-place match.

Ikhana, nicknamed “Kawawa,” was rushed to Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Auchi after deteriorating.

He is currently receiving emergency care, including a critical blood transfusion.