By Amaechi Agbo
More than three decades after helping Nigeria conquer the world with the Golden Eaglets, former goalkeeper Emmanuel Okhenoboh, popularly known as Maleke, is facing a difficult battle away from football.
Okhenoboh, a member of Nigeria’s historic 1993 FIFA U-17 World Cup-winning squad in Japan, is currently recovering from a stroke after collapsing during an Edo State Football League match in Benin City on July 28, 2026.
The former goalkeeper was initially taken to the Military Base Hospital on Airport Road before being referred to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, where he was diagnosed with a stroke.
The illness has left him largely confined to a sick-bed and wheelchair, while his family struggles to meet the cost of his continued treatment and rehabilitation.
After spending several weeks at UBTH, members of his family were forced to take him home because of the mounting medical expenses.
He is now receiving treatment at his residence in Benin City, with local masseurs and physiotherapists assisting with his rehabilitation.
His elder brother, Charles Okhenoboh, described the financial situation as increasingly difficult for the family.
“The bills are becoming a huge burden on us,” he said.
His younger brother, Francis, has subsequently appealed to the National Sports Commission, Nigeria Football Federation, Edo State Football Association, former teammates, and members of the wider football community to support the former international.
The family said it had already spent substantial resources on his treatment but could no longer carry the financial burden alone.
“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,” Francis appealed.
Part of Nigeria’s historic Japan ‘93 team
Okhenoboh was part of the Fanny Amun-coached Golden Eaglets team that won the FIFA U-17 World Championship in Japan in 1993.
The squad featured several players who later became prominent figures in Nigerian football, including Nwankwo Kanu, Wilson Oruma, Celestine Babayaro, Emmanuel Babayaro, Mobi Oparaku, Ibrahim Babangida and Pascal Ojigwe.
Okhenoboh was not merely a squad member.
He made five appearances during the competition and played 400 minutes.
He started in Nigeria’s quarter-final against hosts Japan, a 2-1 victory that sent the Eaglets into the semi-finals.
He also featured in the group-stage win over Argentina and was in goal when Nigeria defeated Ghana 2-1 in the final to lift the world title.
Three decades after that memorable triumph, the former goalkeeper now finds himself needing support from the same football community he represented as a teenager.
His family is appealing for assistance to help sustain his treatment and rehabilitation, with the NFF, NSC, Edo State Football Association, former teammates, and well-meaning Nigerians specifically urged to come to his aid.
For Maleke, the challenge is no longer about keeping the ball out of his net.
The Japan ‘93 hero is now fighting to regain his health, with his family hoping that the football community will rally around him during his difficult period.
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