A former member of the Nigerian international paralympic contingent, Emeka Obidiegwu has died.

Emeka who was born in 1973, passed on the 23rd of July, 2020.

Despite being a right hand amputee, he participated fervently in both track and field sports during his life time, this alongside his quest to defeat his limitations, earned him a spot in the sands of time.

Obidiegwu, reached the peak of his career, such that he competed in the year 2000 Olympic held in Sydney, Australia, 1998 National sport festival, 7th all African games held in Durban, South Africa, amongst other contests.

He won several medals to his name, proving his prowess in the sports world.

UgamaTV gathered that, Obidiegwu retired from Sports in 2004 and ventured into private businesses until he took a bow in 2020.

A certain acquaintance of the deceased, Prince Odunze Okolo,  disclosed this, in a letter of tribute made available to our correspondent.

In this statement, He enjoined the National sports commission, Delta State sports council, Anambra state council and other sports related Agencies, to assist the bereaved family of the deceased, as he will be buried on the 30th of July.

The letter thus Reads:
  
EMEKA OBIDIEGWU, A SPORTS MAN TAKES A FINAL BOW

Former Nigerian international, and member of the paralympic contingent to the year 2000 Olympic held in Sydney Australia, Emeka Obidiegwu M.O.N, has passed on.

Emeka, born to the family of Mazi and Lolo Patrick Obidiegwu, of Umuegorom Uzoakwa Ihiala, in Ihiala local government area of Anambra State, started his sports career in 1997.

Though an amputee of the right hand, he was a classic sportsman, stocky built and an enigma to behold.  He featured in both track and field events and so didn’t allow his physical challenge, to deter him from pursuing his dream career in sports.  Young Emeka made his team proud by wining laurels at different times.

Emeka won a silver medal in 1998 national sport festival, where he participated as part of the delegation from Delta State sports council.

In 1999, he was also part of the Nigerian contingent to the 7th All African games held in Durban, South Africa, where he won a silver medal for Nigeria in 100 meter dash.

By the year 2000, he was part of the Nigerian paralympic contingent that did Nigeria proud in Sydney Olympic.  Though he did not win a medal for the nation at the Olympic, he wore the national colours and demonstrated that there is ability in disability.

Their squad captured the attention of the then President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo with their Sterling performance, and upon their return to the country, he conferred on each of them, the national honour, Member order of the Niger (M.O.N) in appreciation.

From 2001, he had further career stints with a number of club sides in Europe, notably among them was Millwall football club of South East London, England.

Emeka, a multi talented athlete, participated in several British open championships, in both track and field events, for four consecutive times, and won several medals to his credit.

In 2004 , Emeka took a bow from the sports that brought him both fame and fortune, and went into private business, which he practiced until death came calling.

As Evaristus Emeka Obidiegwu goes home, we thank God Almighty for his exemplary life, and for setting him aside, as a brilliant example of a man who dared the impossible, to demonstrate that there is ability in disability.

Emeka was successfully married and is blessed with children.

As this former Nigerian international is set to be committed to mother earth in his Ihiala country home, come 30th of July 2020, I on behalf of the committee of friends, appeal to the National sports commission, Delta State sports council and Anambra State sports council, to rally round the Obidiegwu family at this trying time of bereavement. Let’s join hands in giving this remarkable athlete a burial, befitting of a super Star.

May Emeka’s soul rest in peace.
Amen.

Prince Odunze Ik Okolo
For committee of friends”