Former Nigeria international and ex-Bendel Insurance coach Lawrence Akpokona is battling for his health at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital following a severe spinal cord injury, Saturday PUNCH reports.
Akpokona has been hospitalized since October 2025, and has undergone three major surgeries, with his condition said to remain critical as he continues to require urgent medical care and financial support.
Chairman of the Advocacy for Nigeria Football Reform Concepts, Harrison Jalla, who raised the alarm over his condition, described the situation as urgent and appealed for collective support from the football community and the public.
He said Akpokona had served Nigerian football with distinction and stressed that this was a moment for both the authorities and the wider football family to rally around him in his time of need.
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“Coach Lawrence Akpokona has served Nigerian football with distinction. This is the time for the football family and the government to rally around him in his moment of need,” Jalla said.
The situation has prompted calls for intervention from the Edo and Delta State governments, as well as football authorities including the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Sports Commission, with stakeholders urging swift assistance for the veteran coach.
His prolonged hospitalization and multiple surgeries underscore the severity of his condition and the urgent need for comprehensive medical and financial aid.
A passionate appeal has been made to the Edo State Government, Delta State Government, the Nigeria Football Federation, and the National Sports Commission to come to the aid of the veteran coach who contributed significantly to Nigerian football both as a player and coach.
During his playing career, Akpokona featured prominently for Bendel Insurance and represented Nigeria at international level before moving into coaching, where he contributed to the development of several young players across different clubs.
PUNCH
