The Nigerian football community is facing a somber moment as Lawrence Akpokona, a former national team player and decorated coach, remains in a precarious medical state at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. Since October 2025, the former Bendel Insurance tactician has been confined to the medical facility, struggling to recover from a debilitating spinal cord injury. Despite undergoing three extensive surgical procedures, Akpokona’s prognosis is still considered grave, necessitating ongoing specialized treatment and significant financial resources.
The gravity of the situation was brought to light by Harrison Jalla, who leads the Advocacy for Nigeria Football Reform Concepts. Jalla has issued a pressing plea for help, emphasizing that the circumstances require immediate action and a unified response from sports enthusiasts and the general public alike. Highlighting Akpokona’s legacy of excellence within the sport, Jalla asserted that the veteran deserves the full backing of both the government and the athletic fraternity during this harrowing period.
In a formal appeal, Jalla noted: “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.”
The call for aid has extended to regional and national governing bodies. Stakeholders are currently lobbying the governments of Delta and Edo States, alongside the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Sports Commission, to provide the necessary intervention. There is a growing consensus among observers that the veteran coach, who dedicated his life to the pitch, should not be left to navigate this crisis alone.
Akpokona’s deep roots in the sport began with his notable tenure as a player for Bendel Insurance and his appearances representing the Nigerian national team. Following his retirement from active play, he transitioned into a coaching career where he became instrumental in mentoring a new generation of talent across various domestic clubs.
