An urgent appeal has been made to the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the Bayelsa State Government, corporate organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to support former Golden Eaglets captain Binaebi Carlos Numa, who is battling advanced Parkinson’s disease.
Numa, one of Nigeria’s celebrated football icons, captained the country’s victorious team at the 1985 FIFA U-16 World Championship, leading the Golden Eaglets to Nigeria’s first-ever FIFA title and laying the foundation for the nation’s rich history in youth football.
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Beyond his exploits on the international stage, Numa also enjoyed a distinguished career in table tennis and professional football, featuring in the Nigerian league and in Germany, where he was widely credited with helping to discover and mentor future Super Eagles legend Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha during the early stages of his career.
“Nigeria must not forget its heroes. Binaebi Numa gave his all for this country, and now he needs our support more than ever,” the appeal stated.
According to his family, Numa’s condition has deteriorated significantly, leaving him with severe mobility challenges and impaired speech despite receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, and the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.
Neurologists have reportedly recommended Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery abroad as the only viable treatment option, explaining that the specialised procedure is currently unavailable in Nigeria.
“The cost of treatment is enormous, but it is insignificant compared to the legacy Binaebi Numa has given Nigerian sports. This is the time for the nation to stand by one of its heroes,” the statement added.
The appeal calls on government agencies, football stakeholders, corporate bodies and philanthropists to assist in funding the surgery, international travel and post-operative rehabilitation required to give the former national team captain another chance at life.
Supporters wishing to contribute or obtain further information have also been encouraged to contact the family as efforts intensify to secure the urgent medical intervention.
