By Silvernews
Former Iwuanyanwu Nationale star and Nigeria national team invitee, Sylvester Oparanozie, popularly known as Bahama, has made a passionate appeal to the Governor of Imo State, His Excellency Hope Uzodimma, and kind-hearted Nigerians for financial assistance to undergo multiple orthopedic surgeries.
The talented utility player has been struggling with injuries sustained during his playing days. Despite numerous hospital visits in search of a solution, his condition has worsened. Doctors have now recommended urgent orthopedic surgery, initially estimated to cost ₦10 million. However, due to inflation and rising medical expenses, the cost has now doubled to ₦20 million.
According to Oparanozie, efforts to raise the needed funds have yielded little, even as he continues to spend heavily on routine medications.
Doctors at CASS Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Owerri, have warned that any further delay could lead to permanent paralysis.
*”It has been tough managing these injuries. I couldn’t continue my coaching career. I have undergone different treatments without success. I have spent so much money on treatment, and when surgery was recommended, the hospital initially gave me a bill of ₦10 million, but I couldn’t raise the money. Now, due to inflation, the surgery will cost ₦20 million.
I have been advised to act fast because any delay may result in paralysis,”* he said.
“I appeal to my dear Governor, His Excellency Hope Uzodimma, for financial assistance. I also plead with kind-hearted Nigerians to help me. I am in a dilemma and don’t want to be paralyzed. I can barely walk, even with the aid of a walking stick, and the pain is unbearable.”
A Legacy of Football Excellence
Oparanozie began his football career at Government Secondary School, Owerri, where he was selected to represent Nigeria at the World School Games in Sweden in 1981. His exceptional performances earned him a place in the all-conquering Iwuanyanwu Nationale team, which won the league title, FA Cup, and reached the final of the 1988 CAF Champions Cup.
He was also part of Nigeria’s squad for the Seoul Olympics pre-tournament and received a national team call-up under Clemens Westerhof in 1994.
Following his retirement from active football, Oparanozie ventured into coaching but later struggled with health challenges. Initially, he managed the condition with support from the Imo Football Legends (IFL), which assisted him in receiving medical attention. However, medical examinations later confirmed that both of his legs require surgery for him to walk again.
Now 64 years old, the Owerri-born football maestro is reaching out to President Bola Tinubu, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, and kind-hearted Nigerians to help him raise the necessary funds for this life-saving operation.
Once a source of joy to Nigerian football fans with his dazzling dribbles and creativity, Oparanozie now faces the grim possibility of becoming permanently bedridden.
He is pleading with the football community and the Nigerian public to come to his aid before his condition worsens further.
