Connect with us

Nigeria Leagues

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

Published

on

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.

author avatar
Oluwaseun Oyediji
Oluwaseun Babatunde Oyediji is a multi-media sports journalist with over 10 years experience in Information Communication Technology (ICT), women's football, and beach soccer reportage.The prolific writer is the Media Assistant to Nigeria Beach Soccer League and Africa Beach Soccer Union as well as contributor on Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) website.He has covered multiple national and international football tournaments including Championship of African Nations (CHAN 2020), CAF Women's Champions League (2023), and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023).Since 2021, Oyediji has covered the NWFL Premiership especially the season ending Super Six Playoffs.A member of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ogun state chapter is also the image maker of the Remo Sports Development Council under the leadership of Chief Falilat Ogunkoya and David Osuolale.