By Our Correspondent

Ministry of Youth and Sports Development under the leadership of the Minister Mr. Sunday Dare, has defrayed part of the medical bill of former Super Falcons coach Kadiri Ikhana, Bestchoicesports.com.ng reports.

Mr Ikhana, former Super Eagles player who has coached several Nigeria Professional Football League clubs since late last year is undergoing different surgeries to repair his hip at Alliance Hospital in Abuja

Coach Kadiri Ikhana came to Abuja some months ago for medical treatment which included surgery and had cried out for help.

The hospital known for its professionalism and excellence in services offered to carry out three different kinds of operations on Mr Ikhana at no cost though the management also for financial assistance.

The surgeries were estimated to cost N10 million.

In a release Sunday, Sunday Dare said Mr Ikhana has served the country meritoriously as a player and coach adding that he had sent his aide to meet him while he was in hospital.

“Coach Kadiri Ikhana is an ex-international of note, he served the country, he was part of the historic team in 1980 and a one time Super Falcons coach. He brought smiles to the faces of football loving Nigerians on the when he became the first Nigerian coach to win the CAF Champions League trophy.

“I heard his plea for assistance and I sent one of my aides to him while he was in the hospital to ascertain the level of assistance required by the coach. What better way to show support than to foot part of his medical bills? That’s what we have done.

“Like I have always maintained, the welfare of athletes, ex-internationals and that of those who still represent us remains our priority and we will continue to be on the lookout to assist in anyway we can. We wish Coach Kadiri Ikhana a quick recovery.”

The renowned football coach was part of the Nigerian team to the 1980 Nations Cup who were the first set of players (Green Eagles)to win Nations Cup for the country in the year 1980.

He also won the CAF Championships league with Enyimba Football Club of Aba in 2003.