I wanted to commit suicide – Femi Opabunmi
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Femi Opabunmi, a former football star for the Super Eagles, has shared his courageous story of battling sight loss while pursuing a career in football. His journey, marked by triumphs and adversity, serves as an inspiration to many.
Opabunmi rose to prominence when he played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s victory at the 2001 African U-17 Championship. His goal contributed to a resounding 3-0 win over Burkina Faso, securing Nigeria’s qualification for the 2001 FIFA U-17 World Championship in Trinidad and Tobago. His scoring prowess continued with a remarkable hattrick against Australia in the quarter-finals. Opabunmi ended the tournament with the Silver Boot as the second-highest goal scorer and the Bronze Ball as the third-best player.
His youth exploits earned him a place in Nigeria’s squad for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where he made his debut against England. While Nigeria didn’t advance out of the group stages, Opabunmi’s future in Nigerian football seemed bright.
However, his promising career took an unexpected turn in 2006 when he was diagnosed with glaucoma. Playing for the French Ligue 2 side, Chamois Niortais Football Club, he encountered significant vision problems on the field, which prompted him to seek medical advice.
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Opabunmi’s determination to address his condition led him on a medical journey across the globe. He sought treatment in Romania, the United Kingdom, and the United States. After thorough examinations, he was informed that he needed immediate surgery, or he would lose his sight completely. The operation was a last resort, and he faced the harrowing experience of being blind for 17 days.
Realizing the gravity of his condition and the limitations of medical intervention, Opabunmi decided to return to Nigeria in search of a solution. He turned to faith, recognizing that sometimes the answer is beyond the realm of medicine.
Opabunmi’s ordeal eventually led to his retirement from active football, a decision he described as painful. He found it challenging to watch Nigeria’s matches as he yearned to be on the field with his peers.
Today, Femi Opabunmi is the Head Coach of Alamu Football Academy, the first free football academy that aspires to participate in the Nigerian Premier League. His journey from the heights of international football to a career in coaching serves as an inspiring testament to resilience, faith, and unwavering determination. Opabunmi’s story is a reminder that setbacks can be transformed into opportunities, offering hope to aspiring young football talents in Nigeria and beyond.
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