By Amaechi Agbo

Few hours after Bestchoicesports.com.ng published the story in which wife of late former Super Eagles Defender, Herbert Anijekwu, Mrs Rita Anijekwu, cried out for help, the Honourable Minister of youth and sports, Sunday Dare has contacted the widow and plans are on the way to reach her and her children, Bestchoicesports.com.ng sports exclusively.

Mrs Rita Anijekwu Thursday cried out to the minister as well as the Nigeria Football Federation, begging for help after her late husband departed in 2013 leaving behind four children.

Our correspondent who is in touch with the ministry and the Anijekwu’s noted that the minister after going through the story and enquiries from Nigeria Football Ambassador, Daniel Amokachi, who confirmed to the minister that late Anijekwu was a committed and dedicated defender who partnered Uche Okechukwu at the heart of the defence during the 1990 Africa Cup of Nations, in Algiers, Algeria where Nigeria narrowly missed out in winning the trophy in the final match.

Speaking with our correspondent in Lagos, Mrs Anijekwu confirmed that the ministry has contacted her and praised the minister for his kindheartedness and prayed God to continue to bless and protect him. She also thanked the Media Aide, Kola Daniel who called her on behalf of the minister.

“Yes, one of the Minister’s aides called me early this morning (Friday) and informed me they heard about my story. The person consoled me and promised that the ministry and the NFF will reach us.

“I want to thank you (Bestchoicesports.com.ng) for your help and most importantly to God for being faithful. I want to also thank the minister for being a listening minister.”

When contacted, the Media Aide to the Minister, Kola Daniel confirmed to our correspondent that the ministry had contact the family of Anijekwu after making preliminary enquiries.

You can also read https://bestchoicesports.com.ng/wife-of-late-super-eagles-defender-cries-for-help/

Mr Kola told our correspondent that he spoke to Mrs Anijekwu on behalf of the minister to intimate her about the plan of the minister her and the family

He added that the widow was full of gratitude noting that she would be among ex internationals to receive palliatives.

Mr Kola further said that Mrs Anijekwu will also be put in the payroll of the federal government.

“The minister is very well passionate about welfare of active and retired athletes. The Minister believes motivation is key to performance in sports and he is doing everything to ensure and sustain the welfare of athletes.

“Right now attention is being focused on ex internationals in this trying moment. It is hard for everybody but there are ex internationals who are hit harder and these are the people the minister is reaching out now.

“The minister has taken note of Late Herbert Anijekwu’s wife’s case and he has added her in the list of ex internationals who will receive their palliatives soon.

“She will also be put among ex internationals who are on the federal government’s parole,” he said.