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NWFL star Ifeoma Marvellous Onwuegbuchulam appeals for N3.5m to undergo life-saving corrective surgery after devastating accident
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) standout, Ifeoma Marvellous Onwuegbuchulam, has made a heartfelt plea for financial assistance as she battles to raise N3.5 million for a critical corrective surgery needed to restore her ability to walk.
The former Inneh Queens, FCT Queens, and Osun Queens defender has been bedridden for months following a serious motor accident that occurred on July 5 in the Olonkoro area of Osogbo. The incident left her with multiple fractures after a car collided head-on with the commercial motorcycle she was riding.
Onwuegbuchulam, a product of the Community Action Through Sports (CATS) youth development programme sponsored by the British Council, explained that she has undergone the first stage of treatment but urgently needs a final corrective procedure at Asala Bone Centre, Osogbo.
“The accident was very serious, but I thank God I’m alive. I was first admitted at LAUTECH Hospital in Ogbomosho before being moved to Asala Specialist Bone Centre, where I had the first surgery,” she said.
“I need another stage of surgery to be able to walk again, but I can’t afford it. I am appealing to football lovers, officials, companies, and Nigerians to please assist me.”
Four months on, the once-vibrant defender remains confined to a wheelchair, unable to move freely or return to an active life.
Former CATS project administrator and team manager, Pastor Oscar Ezinwa Emmanuel, expressed shock over her condition, calling for urgent intervention from the football community.
“I am still in shock hearing her story. She was our regular left-back until we disbanded in 2009. She really needs help now—not just to play football again, but at least to walk. I appeal to the NWFL, NFF, and all Nigerians to help her raise the N3.5m required.”
He urged well-meaning individuals, corporate organisations, and football stakeholders to rally around the young footballer, stating that this is a moment when compassion and solidarity are needed most.
Donations to support Onwuegbuchulam’s surgery can be sent to:
GTBank – 0435157958 – IFEOMA MARVELLOUS ONWUEGBUCHULAM
Her story highlights the precarious welfare conditions many female footballers face in Nigeria—where a single accident can derail years of hard work due to lack of medical insurance or institutional support.
As she continues her fight for recovery, Onwuegbuchulam hopes that the kindness of Nigerians will help her take her first steps again.
