Former Super Falcons goalkeeper, Bidemi Aluko-Olaseni, has reportedly died after battling with breast cancer for eight years.
The late Ekiti-born goalie was first diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2017 but was given the all-clear in 2018 after undergoing treatment and a mastectomy.
The deadly ailment unfortunately returned in January 2019 and despite financial support from the Nigeria Football Federation and other well-meaning individuals, the goalkeeper was unable to scale through the battle against the destructive disease.
How NFF reacted to Bidemi Aluko-Olaseni's death
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has reflected sadness over the report of the passing away of former Super Falcons goalkeeper Bidemi Aluko-Olaseni.
In a short message posted on the NFF official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Saturday night, March 2, the Federation prayed for the peace of the soul of the talented goalkeeper who had been battling cancer for eight years.
The NFF wrote; "We are sad to hear of the passing of former @NGSuper_Falcons goalkeeper, Bidemi Aluko-Olaseni, after an eight-year battle with cancer. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. May her gentle soul rest in peace".
According to a report from football insiders. After undergoing a six-hour surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments, Aluko shared her struggles with worsening pain while playing for Rivers Angels.
Through a Facebook post, she disclosed her need for financial assistance to cover ten Herceptin treatments, each costing N470,000.
In an interview with BBC Africa in 2020, she reflected on how the COVID-19 pandemic derailed her treatment and how the NFF supported her treatment with 10,000 pounds.
However, she wanted even more financial assistance as her husband lost his job due to the pandemic, and her treatment costs compounded. She fought fearlessly against the illness but has now surrendered to death at age 30.
While she was largely anonymous with the Super Falcons, Aluko-Olaseni excelled with many other teams including the Falconets, Rivers Angel, Ekiti Babes, Sunshine Queens, and Makbet Queens, among others.
What's next?
The burial arrangements for the late goalkeeper are expected to be announced soon by her family.
The late Ekiti-born goalie was first diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2017 but was given the all-clear in 2018 after undergoing treatment and a mastectomy.
The deadly ailment unfortunately returned in January 2019 and despite financial support from the Nigeria Football Federation and other well-meaning individuals, the goalkeeper was unable to scale through the battle against the destructive disease.
How NFF reacted to Bidemi Aluko-Olaseni's death
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has reflected sadness over the report of the passing away of former Super Falcons goalkeeper Bidemi Aluko-Olaseni.
In a short message posted on the NFF official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Saturday night, March 2, the Federation prayed for the peace of the soul of the talented goalkeeper who had been battling cancer for eight years.
The NFF wrote; "We are sad to hear of the passing of former @NGSuper_Falcons goalkeeper, Bidemi Aluko-Olaseni, after an eight-year battle with cancer. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. May her gentle soul rest in peace".
According to a report from football insiders. After undergoing a six-hour surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments, Aluko shared her struggles with worsening pain while playing for Rivers Angels.
Through a Facebook post, she disclosed her need for financial assistance to cover ten Herceptin treatments, each costing N470,000.
In an interview with BBC Africa in 2020, she reflected on how the COVID-19 pandemic derailed her treatment and how the NFF supported her treatment with 10,000 pounds.
However, she wanted even more financial assistance as her husband lost his job due to the pandemic, and her treatment costs compounded. She fought fearlessly against the illness but has now surrendered to death at age 30.
While she was largely anonymous with the Super Falcons, Aluko-Olaseni excelled with many other teams including the Falconets, Rivers Angel, Ekiti Babes, Sunshine Queens, and Makbet Queens, among others.
What's next?
The burial arrangements for the late goalkeeper are expected to be announced soon by her family.