Benson Udeh, an Awka-based grassroots football and gymnastics coach, has been bedridden for eight years following a spinal cord injury he sustained in June 2016. Udeh, who spoke from his sick bed in Awka, appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State and other well-meaning Nigerians for assistance.
Udeh recounted the incident that led to his injury, which occurred while he was leading his team to the final of the maiden Gov. Willie Obiano Academicals Football Competition. Their vehicle was involved in a crash on the Oba-Nnewi Road, resulting in his spinal cord injury.
Despite receiving treatment initially at various hospitals including Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, Memphis Specialist Hospital, Enugu, and National Orthopedic Hospital, Enugu, Udeh stated that he stopped receiving treatment in 2017 due to financial constraints.
Expressing hope for recovery, Udeh mentioned that medical experts managing his condition have assured him that he could walk again with the right medical care. He emphasized his love for football and expressed his desire to return to coaching, particularly to nurture young talents in sports.
In his appeal, Udeh specifically called on Governor Soludo and his wife, known for their interest in sports, to intervene and assist him in accessing the necessary medical treatment. He also appealed to sports enthusiasts and other compassionate Nigerians to support him financially to facilitate his recovery and rehabilitation.
Udeh’s plight highlights the challenges faced by many individuals in Nigeria who lack adequate financial resources for medical emergencies, underscoring the need for concerted efforts to support healthcare accessibility and affordability in the country.