How prostate cancer surgery extended Chukwu’s life – Otedola

In a tweet on Sunday, Otedola wrote a tribute to Chukwu, who
died on April 12 at the age of 74.

The football legend was the captain when the Super Eagles
won their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in 1980 on home soil.

In 2019, Chukwu suffered prostate cancer, which affected his
legs.

The family had to open a GoFundMe appeal to solicit funds
for his medical treatment.

Otedola eventually stepped in and paid $50,000 for Chukwu’s
treatment at Wellington Hospital in London.

The billionaire said Chukwu’s death was a “rude shock” to
him.

He said the former Eagles captain’s achievements “remain
legendary and fully etched in the annals of our national history”.

“Back in 2019, when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer
that affected his legs, I stepped in with the necessary support so as to enable
him receive comprehensive care and medical treatment in the United Kingdom,”
the tweet reads.

“Thankfully, that intervention and opportunity saw him
through a very challenging time and gave him a new lease of life. My
condolences go out to his entire family and to his fans all over the world. May
you all find comfort during this difficult time.”

Charles Bassey, another member of the 1980 AFCON-winning
team, died a few hours after Chukwu’s death.

Bassey suffered a “nerve root compression” in his spinal
cord following a car accident in 1986.

In 2019, the ex-footballer made a public plea for financial
support when complications from the accident made it difficult walking.

In 2021, Bassey said the Femi Otedola Foundation funded his
spinal cord surgery.