Waidi Akanni provides health insurance for Lagos football veterans
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Waidi Akanni, a former Super Eagles player and leader of the Lagos Legends Club in Nigeria, arranged health insurance coverage for retired footballers.
The club members had previously lacked a players’ union and faced difficulties affording medical care. Akanni used his connections to secure funding from Bashir Abiola-Are, Chairman of the Lagos State Lottery Board, to address this need.
Former players expressed gratitude for the scheme, noting that many footballers had died from treatable illnesses due to a lack of funds. The Lagos Legends Club views the health insurance as a way to restore dignity and security to veterans who once represented Lagos State and Nigeria in football competitions. Monday Kanu, a fellow legend, praised Akanni’s leadership and commitment to player welfare, adding that the Lagos State Lottery Board will renew the coverage annually.
The program aims to provide ongoing healthcare access for those who dedicated their careers to the sport.
