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Emmanuel “Maleke” Okhenoboh, a member of Nigeria’s 1993 FIFA U-17 World Cup-winning squad, is receiving treatment at home after a stroke.
Former Golden Eaglets goalkeeper Emmanuel Okhenoboh is battling the effects of a stroke, with his family appealing to football authorities, former teammates and well-meaning Nigerians for support with his treatment.
Okhenoboh, popularly known as Maleke, reportedly collapsed on July 28, 2026, while playing in an Edo State Football League match.
He was initially taken to the Military Base Hospital on Airport Road in Benin City before being referred to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), where he was diagnosed with a stroke. The family said he spent several weeks at the hospital before returning home as the cost of continued treatment became increasingly difficult to meet.
The former goalkeeper is currently receiving treatment and rehabilitation at home in Benin City, with his family saying he remains largely dependent on a sick-bed and wheelchair.
Family Appeals For Assistance
Okhenoboh’s elder brother, Charles, said the family had made significant efforts to sustain his treatment but was struggling with the growing medical expenses.
“The bills are becoming a huge burden on us,” he said.
His younger brother, Francis Okhenoboh, also appealed to Nigerians, football administrators and former teammates to support the family.
Francis said the family had already spent substantial resources on his brother’s treatment but could no longer manage 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,” he said.
The family is specifically seeking assistance from the National Sports Commission, Nigeria Football Federation, Edo State Football Association and members of the football community.
They also appealed to Okhenoboh’s former teammates and associates from his grassroots football career and his time with the Golden Eaglets.
Member Of Historic 1993 Golden Eaglets
Okhenoboh was part of Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets squad that won the FIFA U-17 World Championship in Japan in 1993.
The team, coached by Fanny Amun, featured several players who later became prominent figures in Nigerian football, including Nwankwo Kanu, Wilson Oruma, Celestine Babayaro, Mobi Oparaku and Emmanuel Babayaro.
Historical records list Okhenoboh among Nigeria’s three goalkeepers at the tournament, alongside Emmanuel Babayaro and Destiny Iyonu. Records from the tournament show that Okhenoboh made five appearances and played 400 minutes.
Started Against Argentina And Japan
Okhenoboh played an important role during Nigeria’s campaign in Japan.
He started Nigeria’s 4-0 group-stage victory over Argentina on August 24, 1993. Wilson Oruma scored twice, while Peter Anosike and Nwankwo Kanu also found the net.
He was also in goal when Nigeria defeated hosts Japan 2-1 in the quarter-final.
Nigeria took a two-goal lead through Oruma and Festus Odini before Japan reduced the deficit through Hidetoshi Nakata. Okhenoboh remained in goal as the Eaglets secured their place in the semi-finals.
He also started the final against Ghana, according to the supplied report, as Nigeria secured the world title.
Records from RSSSF confirm that Okhenoboh played five matches during the tournament, accumulating 400 minutes.
From World Champion To Rehabilitation
More than three decades after representing Nigeria at the global youth level, Okhenoboh is now focused on recovery from his medical condition.
His family said he requires continued medical attention, physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
Following his discharge from hospital, family members said local masseurs and physiotherapists have been attending to him at home in Benin City.
The family’s appeal therefore extends beyond immediate medical expenses to longer-term rehabilitation and support.
Okhenoboh’s condition has also renewed attention on the challenges some former footballers face when serious medical emergencies occur after their playing careers, particularly when families have to meet prolonged treatment and rehabilitation costs.
Appeal To Football Community
The family has called on football authorities, former teammates, corporate organisations and individual supporters to assist Okhenoboh during his recovery.
They specifically appealed to the National Sports Commission, NFF, Edo State Football Association and members of the 1993 Golden Eaglets generation to consider ways of supporting his treatment.
The family said its immediate priority is to ensure that Okhenoboh continues receiving the care and rehabilitation required following the stroke.
The appeal comes as former members of Nigeria’s celebrated 1993 youth team remain connected to a generation that helped establish the Golden Eaglets as a major force in international youth football.
For Okhenoboh’s family, the focus is now on his recovery and helping him regain as much independence as possible.
His relatives are therefore asking Nigerians and the football community who remember the Japan ’93 Eaglets to support him as he continues his rehabilitation.
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