Billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola has offered to foot the medical bills of Christian Chukwu, former Super Eagles’ coach, TheCable can report
Chukwu, one of Nigeria’s most influential footballers in history who captained the national team to their first Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980, is suffering from prostate cancer which has affected his leg.
Although the surgery on his leg has been done, he reportedly needs an additional $50,000 for the prostate operation.
Norbert Okonkwo, media officer of Enugu Rangers, told TheCable that the Enugu state government donated N1.5 million for the leg surgery.
In the first two days, a GoFundMe appeal raised $4,305 of the $50,000 needed for further treatment.
Speaking to TheCable on phone, Otedola said he would foot the entire cost of the operation as a “token of support to a great Nigerian who served his country to the best of his ability”.
Otedola previously settled the medical bills of the veteran actor, Victor Olaotan, who was at risk of double amputation following a ghastly car accident in 2016.
A patron of Chukwu’s former club, Enugu Rangers FC, Benson Ezeomeogo Ejindu, broke the news of the ailment at the weekend.
Chukwu also captained the Enugu Rangers FC team that won the Africa Cup Winners’ Cup in 1977.
He was nicknamed ‘Chairman’ for his authority on the field as a central defender.