Femi Opabunmi: Ex-super Eagles Star Shares Heartbreaking Story of How He Lost His Sight, Video

• Femi Opabunmi was tipped to become a great player for Nigeria, but his career was abruptly cut short due to eye problems
• The left-wing-back was impressive as Nigeria played a goalless draw with England at the 2002 FIFA World Cup
• Opabumi stated that his eye problems started during his short spell in France and that doctors said his case was complicated

Former Nigerian international Femi Opabunmi has narrated how he spent millions to solve his eye problems while playing professional football in France.

Having featured for Nigeria at the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea/Japan, many had tipped the left-winger to become one of the greatest talents to ever emerge from Africa’s most-populous nation.

After an impressive spell with local club Shooting Stars, Opabunmi moved to Swiss club Grasshopper where he managed just 14 appearances in almost four years.

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He had a brief stint with Israeli outfit Hapoel Be'er Sheva before moving to French second-division club Niort where his eye problems started.

In a chat with Punch, Opabunmi disclosed that he travelled to see eye specialists in three different countries before it was suggested that his case was ‘not medical’.

Opabumi said:

“I played in France, Niort FC second division. I was in Niort when I had my challenge. If I’m on the field of play, I will not see the ball. So I had to go for check-up, with the eye specialists. They told me my case was complicated. I went to three countries to see specialists. I went to the UK, I went to America and Romania.

“When the doctor in France saw it (the results), he said my case was complicated. I was told I had to operate the eyes. After the operation, they said they did not understand - that my case was not medical.

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“I had to come down to Nigeria. That was what made me quit football. It was a bitter experience. I spent millions, but I still believe that when there is life, there is hope.”

Seyi Law supports Opabunmi with cash

Sports Brief earlier reported that Famous Nigerian comedian Lawrence Aletile, whose stage name is Seyi Law, recently sent some money to struggling former Super Eagles star Femi Opabunmi.

At the age of 17 years and 100 days, Opabunmi became the third-youngest player to feature at the FIFA World Cup when he starred in a 0-0 game against England in Korea/Japan in 2002.

Concerned about Opabunmi’s whereabouts, Seyi Law took to Twitter to ask for the contact information of the former Shooting Stars left-winger and later handed him some money.