3rd March, 2024
Former goalkeeper of the Super Falcons, Bidemi Aluko-Olaseni, has died after close to eight years’ battle with cancer.
The Nigerian Football Federation announced her death in a post via its X account, @thenff late Saturday night.
“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,” the statement read.
Aluko-Olaseni distinguished herself as a skilful goalkeeper during her days with the Super Falcons.
She reportedly developed cancer in 2017 while playing for Rivers Angels in the Nigerian Women’s Premier League.
She explained that immediately after the cancer was detected, she was asked to undergo surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, which she did.
The late Aluko-Olaseni, who was forced to quit football because of the ailment, had announced that she needed about N5m for treatment in Nigeria.
She was the Super Falcons’ goalkeeper between 2012 and 2013.