Bidemi Aluko-Olaseni: Former Falconets star to be laid to rest on Saturday

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

The family of former Nigeria goalkeeper, Bidemi Aluko-Olaseni has announced burial arrangements for the deceased.

The former Nigeria U-20 (Falconets) goalkeeper died last Friday after a prolonged battle with cancer.

In the wake of her death, the Aluko family of Ijurin Ekiti announced that she will be buried on Saturday, March 9, 2024.  She will be laid to rest at Iyana Church/Bank, Olodo area, Ibadan, Oyo state from noon.

The goalkeeper had previously opened up about her battle with breast cancer in 2019, after receiving a diagnosis in 2017 while playing for Rivers Angels.

TVC News reported that the much-loved player had undergone a six-hour surgery, chemotherapy and radiation at the time but still felt ‘severe pains’ in her body.

Aluko-Olaseni had shared her diagnosis online and appealed for donations to help fund around N5 million Naira or £250,000 worth of treatment.

She shone for several top clubs in the country’s women’s league, including Ekiti Babes, Sunshine Queens, and Rivers Angels, who passed away after an arduous eight-year battle with cancer.

Aluko featured prominently for several Nigeria Women’s Football League sides, where her impact was felt both on and off the pitch before her forced retirement from football in 2017.