- A former Nigerian national team player, Friday Christopher, is said to have lost his vision, as per widespread reports circulating on social media.
- The seasoned football player has been grappling with eye issues for many years, and currently, he is facing difficulties with his eyesight.
- He represented multiple prominent clubs in the nation and subsequently took up coaching roles, such as with the Shooting Stars team from Ibadan.
A previous Nigerian defensive player, Friday Christopher, who led the 3SC team from Ibadan to clinch the 1992 CAF Cup title, is said to have lost his vision recently.
It emerged that the ex-Kano Pillars player had been struggling with eye issues for many years and has been desperately trying to regain his vision.
Affectionately known as 'Ekutu,' Christopher continues to be a lesser-known hero in Nigerian football due to his significant contributions.
He made an unforgettable mark in the Nigerian Professional League and FA Challenge Cup throughout the 1980s and 1990s, starting his journey with the local club Ewekoro Rocks FC in the early '80s, as reported by The Guardian.
Christopher later featured for the now-defunct Abiola Babes FC in Abeokuta before joining Shooting Stars FC of Ibadan, where he rose to fame
He subsequently played for teams including Iwuanyanwu Nationale of Owerri, BCC Lions Gboko, Katsina United, and Calabar Rovers.
Following his retirement, Friday Christopher transitioned into coaching roles with various teams such as Sharks FC Port Harcourt, 3SC Ibadan, and FC Abuja.
He led several squads including Gray FC, Delta Force, Gateway FC Abeokuta, Giwa FC Jos, and Kano Pillars FC across different capacities.
It was understood that Kano Pillars gave him a year-long break to deal with his health problem, additional information suggesting that he continues to be paid his salary along with all benefits.
In the meantime, followers keep responding to the post that was shared on the Supporters of Kano Pillars in Malaysia Facebook page:
Camillus Okpareke wrote:
Chaii!!! I knew him quite well during his time with my team, the Iwuanyanwu Nationals, which is now called Heartland of Owerri. With God’s help, may he receive a miraculous healing. Amen.
Oluwaniyi Geshinton added:
I played for the Ibadan FC Ambassador team a few years back before heading to Egypt. Ekutu is a skilled skipo; let’s support him with not just a small amount, as he is a fine individual.
Awoyemi Mohfatai said:
Wow, this superglue ended up blinding him. It’s unfortunate because I recall a time when he was fixing his boot at Katsina Township Stadium during his days with Katsina United. Back then, I worked as the team laundry attendant, washing jerseys each week. He accidentally got some glue in his eyes while rushing to finish the task. That incident made me start believing in witchcraft.
Lawal Ibrahim posited:
Deeply disappointed about the departure of the kind and thorough gentleman Ekutu. Hoping for divine intervention for him.
Ekeh Micheal said:
Deeply apologetic, may God grant him healing. Amen.
Charles Bassey passes away
Diwida >.ng Earlier reports indicated that Nigeria’s football fraternity suffered yet another loss when former AFCON 1980 player Charles Bassey died on Saturday, April 12.
Bassey's passing coincides with the anniversary of the death of former national team player and coach Christian Chukwu.
It was learned that Bassey had been battling a long-term illness prior to his eventual passing.
