Former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Wilfred Agbonavbare has passed away following a battle with cancer. He was just 48 years old.
ConnectNigeria reported last week the deteriorating health of Agbonavbare and his plea for his friends and the football world to come to his aid.
He was initially treated at a hospital in Florida, United States before he was transferred to Hospital Principe de Asturias in Alcala de Henares in Spain.
Reports from Spain suggest that the former Rayo Vallecano goalie died at the hospital near Madrid on Tuesday. The La Liga club, who only last weekend helped raise 21,106.90 euros (over N4.5m) to help Agbonavbare, confirmed his death in an official statement on Tuesday morning.
“El Rayo Vallecano informs that our former player Wilfred Agbonavbare has died in the early hours of this morning, at the Hospital Principe de Asturias in Alcala de Henares” the statement said.
“The club will communicate, as soon as possible, and with the permission of his family, the place where a last goodbye can be given. #DescansaWilly.”
“Willy” remains the goalkeeper to have made the most Primera Division appearances for Rayo (76), and his close relationship with the club was brought home by players from the suburban club and neighbours Atletico Madrid holding up a banner of support before last Saturday’s La Liga meeting.
The club tried in vain to get the ex-Super Eagles star’s three children over to Spain to be with their father. Frustrating paperwork and bureaucratic steps ensured the kids couldn’t see their father before he passed away on Tuesday.
It is a hard time for the Agbonavbares; Willy’s wife died of breast cancer three years ago.
May his soul rest in perfect peace, Amen.
About the Author: Arinze Ude (@arturozinga) is an aspiring cancer research scientist with a master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences (Haematology). He is keen on building partnerships and managing the careers of Nigerian sportsmen and women. He blogs at
http://arturozinga.wordpress.com
