The President of the Nigeria Soccer Federation, USA, Richard Opanuga is grateful to Nigerians for their donations towards the N6m ($11,000) needed for the surgery of coach Kelechi Emotole’s throat cancer in India.
The President, through the Director of Players Affair (NANPF) and chairman of NANPF, Lagos State Chapter, Mr. Taju Disu, in a statement confirmed that the money needed for the operation has been realized and will be sent to Emotole’s family .
“Good day Gentlemen, On behalf of the executive council of NSF, Fund raising USA, I hereby say a BIG THANK YOU to everyone for your donations towards Coach Kelechi Fundraising.
“We made it together. Initially, it seems like an impossible task but with all of your support and determination, we did not only meet our goal but we also exceeded it. We raised a total of $1,320 and the money will be deposited into Kelechi’s UBA account not later than Monday, March 20, 2016.
“We are grateful for helping the organization reach her goal of a minimum of $1k. We appreciate you all and pray that God Almighty replenish your pockets. Thanks a lot all for rising up to the call to save a life.”
Emetole played for the Super Eagles at the 1976 Africa Nations Cup in Ethiopia and served as assistant coach for the Golden Eaglets in 1985, and Flying Eagles and Super Eagles.
Emetole played for Heartland before returning as a coach. He also managed Elkanemi Warriors.