By Ifeanyi Olannye
Ailing ex-Super Eagles Captain, Henry Nwosu, has called for more support for sports veterans and ex-internationals in the country.
The former Super Eagles midfielder, who made the call on Wednesday in Asaba, lauded Delta Government’s support for sports development.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nwosu, has been ill and receiving treatment at the Asaba Specialist Hospital, Asaba, Delta.
The former Super Eagles striker said his condition had greatly improved given what he experienced while leaving Imo state about a month ago.
“I feel better now, and I want to thank the Delta State Government and Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa for the overwhelming support since I came to this hospital.
“I want to use this opportunity to appeal for more support for ex-internationals and internationals that greatly need help.
“I want to also thank the Government of Imo, Edo and Ondo, organisations and individuals who have been supporting me to recover,” he said.
Mrs Kate Kogolo, younger sister to Nwosu, said that the family had decided to move Henry to an undisclosed place abroad for further treatment.
“We the family members are overwhelmed by the Delta Government gesture and love shown to our brother since he came to this hospital.
“When we came, we never expected that we are going to receive this kind of love from Delta government and the people at this hospital.
“While he was sick, I was always on the road to care for him.
“I am married here in Delta, so, I am always on the road going to see him at Imo state.
“Given the challenge of being on the road frequently, we decided to bring him down to Delta where we could manage him better,” she said.
According to Kogolo, the ex-footballer has been on admission at the Asaba Specialist Hospitals since February, and precisely for one month and two weeks.
Dr Peace Ighosewe, Chief Medical Director, Asaba Specialist Hospital, said only the patient had the right to disclose the nature of his illness.
“He has been here for almost six weeks now, and compared to when he came, he has made remarkable improvement and getting better every day.
“However, the family said they were taking him abroad,” Ighosewe said.
In his reaction, Mr Oilsa Ifeajika, Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa, debunked the rumour making round that Nwosu’s condition had deteriorated.
He said that Delta government was not part of the arrangement to relocate Henry Nwosu to any other medical facility.
“Henry Nwosu is a household name in football. So about three weeks ago that we knew he was in this facility, Gov. Okowa asked us to verify the information.
“We confirmed it and the governor ordered that every medical bill plus other outstanding bills that they should not pay as state government will offset them.
“We have monitored him and overtime he has greatly improved but we are surprised with the rumours that Nwosu was not doing well, could no longer eat, walk and talk.
“That is why we are here this morning,” he said.(NAN)
