Wilson Oruma: 6 things to know about former Nigerian star's alleged health crisis

Former Super Eagles midfielder and Olympic gold medalist Wilson Oruma is in the news again but this time not for some good reasons. 

Oruma was reportedly hospitalised and lying in a precarious situation according to Nigeria-based outlet Punch. 

The Atalanta,1996 Olympic winner during his prime years, played for some of Europe’s recognised clubs, especially in the French Ligue 1 and Swiss League.

He featured for the likes of Olympic Marseille, Sochaux, Lens and Guingamp in the Ligue 1 and was also on the payroll of Sevette in Switzerland. 

However, 27 years after he made Nigeria proud in the United States of America, at the Atalanta 96 Olympics, the former international trended on social media after photos of him lying helplessly ill and in need of help surfaced 

Here are six (6) things we know about the former Super Eagles star and his situation, including the latest update on the story. 

According to the report, Oruma was spotted in a video lying in bed on a drip as he slept. While the true nature of the ailment was unkown at the time, he was being taken care of with a urinary catheter. 

There have also been reports of him battling a mental issue after he was defrauded eight years ago in Nigeria's financial capital, Lagos. 

Oruma’s present condition may be connected to his struggle to overcome the loss of his entire life savings to fraudsters who successfully duped him. 

The former Super Eagles attacker tried to invest in an oil and gas business in Lagos as he prepared for life after football back in 2016. 

However, it turned out to be a fraudulent deal which cost the former Ligue 1 star N2bn which saw him suffer emotional damage. 

Following his emotional disorder, former NFF President, Amaju Pinnick handled his hospital bills and also transferred him to a better facility as they tried to get him back on his feet. 

After his last ordeal with fraudsters, Oruma’s former teammates in the Super Eagles and Dream team are unaware of his current problems. 

Former captain, Sunday Oliseh noted that he didn’t know the former Marseille man was ill, while former goalkeeper, Dosu Joseph revealed that he's been trying to find out what happened to his former teammate since he heard about his current challenges. 

Oruma was the captain of Nigeria's Golden Eaglets, which successfully defeated everyone to the world title in 1993 and also won several club titles during his time in Europe.

In a swift turn of events, the former Marseille man has come out to debunk the rumours. 

In a trendy video, Oruma refuted the report that he is sick. He confirmed that he is fine while thanking the public for caring about his well-being 

“I never knew people loved me so much,” Oruma said in parts in the latest video. 

“I appreciate you all, thank you for every support you have shown me and my family. We are healthy and sane,” he added. 

In an exclusive interview with SaharaReporters, Oruma's sister, Pastor Maureen Atie also confirmed that the report that the ex-footballer was recently ill is not correct.

According to her, it was over six years ago when Oruma had such a health challenge.

"That story was not correct; when he was not feeling fine was over six years ago. Some people were using that to collect money from people. Some had already given them money," she said.

Oruma's brother, Mr. Dominic Oruma also told SaharaReporters exclusively that the fraud case was under investigation, adding that the alleged fraudsters reached out to Oruma's fans and loved ones all over the world.

He said, "The matter has been reported to the police and an investigation is ongoing to get those people who are responsible for the act. We are suspecting two to three people.

"Those who are behind it actually painted that picture to generate funds for their personal interest. People have paid the money but only the police can say the actual amount raised.

"People reached out to us in person from Europe, America and other parts of the world, saying that the fraudsters had reached out to them.”

"Some groups out of love were already raising money before they contacted members of the family," he added.