Betting firm settles footballer Ezekiel Otuoma's hospital bill

Odibets’ Aggrey Sayi (right) presents a dummy cheque worth Sh 2.2m to footballer Ezekiel Otuoma and his wife Rachael in Nairobi yesterday. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Described as one of the ruthless strikers in the FKF Premier League in the recent years, Ezekiel Otuoma is now helpless and desperate for help.

His health has been failing him, his voice has gone and he cannot communicate.

Otuoma featured for defunct Muhoroni Youth, Ulinzi Stars, Western Stima and AFC Leopards with his last club being Talanta.

And it was at the National Super League side that his health started deteriorating forcing him to bow out of the beautiful game. He was last year diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

According to Western Stima team manager Moses Nyalik, Otuoma will remain one of the best players to have played for the Kisumu-based FKF Premier League side.

“Otuoma could change a game in a split of a second. He was a unique player with a winning mentality,” Nyalik spoke of Otuoma who left Stima in 2017.

But yesterday, the ailing striker was visited at his house in Utawala, Nairobi by unfamiliar faces from local betting firm Odibets after his public appeal for medical aid. 

Medical fund

According to Odibets Country Marketing manager Aggrey Sayi, the firm has paid Sh 1.5 million to facilitate the player’s treatment in Germany. They have also catered for his flight expenses (Sh300,000).

“Our aim is to give back to the society, bring hope, grow talent and save lives,” said Sayi.

Otuoma’s wife Rachael was more than grateful to the betting company for their support.

“I didn’t expect this to come. I  thank Odibets for coming at our hour of need. Our prayers have finally been answered; may God bless them abundantly,” said Rachael.