Learn about the life and legacy of Bidemi Aluko, a former Super Falcons goalkeeper who battled cancer for eight years. Find out more about Bidemi Aluko Biography and how she inspired many with her skill and resilience.
Bidemi Aluko Biography
Bidemi Aluko was a Nigerian footballer who played as a goalkeeper for the Super Falcons, the national women’s team. She was also a member of several clubs in the Nigerian Women’s Premier League, such as Rivers Angels and Sunshine Queens. She was known for her exceptional skill, leadership, and ability to inspire teammates and fans. She passed away on March 2, 2024, after an eight-year battle with cancer. Her death was mourned by the Nigerian football community and beyond. In this article, we will explore her life and legacy, and how she became a beacon of resilience and hope for many.
Early Life and Career
Bidemi Aluko was born on June 6, 1990, in a Christian home in Ekiti State, Nigeria. She was the fourth of six children. She developed a passion for football at a young age, and started playing with her brothers and friends in the neighborhood. She attended St. Louis Grammar School in Ikere-Ekiti, where she joined the school team and participated in various competitions. She also played for Ekiti Queens, a local club, before moving to Lagos to pursue her football career.
In Lagos, she joined FC Robo, a club founded and coached by Emmanuel Osahon, a former Nigerian international. She trained under his guidance and improved her skills and techniques. She also enrolled in the National Open University of Nigeria, where she studied Mass Communication. She balanced her education and football commitments, and soon attracted the attention of bigger clubs and national selectors.
Super Falcons Debut and Achievements
In 2012, Aluko was invited to the Super Falcons camp, where she impressed the coaches and earned a spot in the team. She made her debut in a friendly match against Finland, where she kept a clean sheet and helped Nigeria win 2-0. She also featured in the African Women’s Championship that year, where Nigeria finished third and qualified for the 2013 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
In 2013, Aluko was part of the Super Falcons squad that won the African Women’s Championship in Namibia, beating Cameroon 2-0 in the final. She played in four matches, conceding only one goal. She also represented Nigeria at the 2014 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada, where she played in two matches, against Sweden and Australia. She performed well, despite Nigeria’s early exit from the tournament.
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Aluko also played for several clubs in the Nigerian Women’s Premier League, such as Rivers Angels, Sunshine Queens, and Delta Queens. She won several trophies and awards, including the league title, the Federation Cup, and the best goalkeeper of the season. She was regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the country, and a role model for many young girls who aspired to play football.
Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
In 2016, Aluko was diagnosed with breast cancer, a disease that affects millions of women worldwide. She underwent surgery to remove the affected breast, and started chemotherapy and radiotherapy to fight the cancer cells. She also received support from her family, friends, teammates, and fans, who prayed for her recovery and donated funds for her treatment.
Despite her illness, Aluko did not give up on her football career. She continued to play for her club, Delta Queens, and hoped to return to the national team. She also used her platform to raise awareness and educate people about breast cancer, its symptoms, prevention, and treatment. She encouraged women to go for regular check-ups and screenings, and to seek medical help if they noticed any changes in their breasts.
Aluko’s battle with cancer was not easy, as she faced many challenges and complications. She had to travel to different hospitals and clinics, sometimes in other states or countries, to get the best care. She also had to cope with the side effects of the treatment, such as hair loss, nausea, fatigue, and pain. She also had to deal with the stigma and discrimination that some people have towards cancer patients, especially in Nigeria, where some believe that cancer is a curse or a punishment from God.
However, Aluko did not let these obstacles stop her from fighting for her life. She showed courage, faith, and optimism, and believed that she would overcome the disease. She also drew strength from her passion for football, and the love and support of her loved ones. She said in an interview, \”Football is my life, and I can’t imagine living without it. It gives me joy and hope, and it helps me forget about my problems. I also thank God for giving me a supportive family, who are always there for me. They are my motivation and inspiration.\”
Death and Tributes
Unfortunately, Aluko’s condition worsened in 2024, as the cancer spread to other parts of her body. She was admitted to the hospital, where she received palliative care. She passed away on March 2, 2024, at the age of 33. Her death was announced by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), who expressed their sadness and condolences to her family. They wrote on Twitter, \”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.\”
Aluko’s death was also mourned by many people in the football community and beyond, who paid tribute to her on social media and other platforms. They remembered her as a talented, brave, and inspiring woman, who touched many lives with her skill and resilience. Some of the tributes include:
– Asisat Oshoala, Super Falcons captain and four-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year: \”Rest in peace, my sister. You were a fighter and a legend. You will always be in our hearts. Thank you for everything you did for Nigerian football and women’s football. You are a hero and an angel.\”
– Emmanuel Osahon, FC Robo founder and coach: \”I am heartbroken by the news of Bidemi’s death. She was like a daughter to me, and I am proud of what she achieved in her career. She was a hardworking, disciplined, and humble player, who always gave her best. She was also a cheerful, friendly, and kind person, who always had a smile on her face. She will be greatly missed.\”
– Onome Ebi, Super Falcons defender and teammate: \”Bidemi was more than a teammate, she was a friend and a sister. We shared many memories and moments on and off the pitch. She was a great goalkeeper, who always saved us from trouble. She was also a strong woman, who never gave up on her dreams. She fought cancer with courage and faith, and inspired us all. I will always love and remember her.\”
Legacy and Impact
Bidemi Aluko’s legacy and impact go beyond her football career. She was also a source of inspiration and hope for many people, especially women and girls, who face various challenges and difficulties in life. She showed them that nothing is impossible, and that with determination, passion, and support, they can achieve their goals and overcome their obstacles. She also demonstrated that cancer is not a death sentence, and that with proper awareness, prevention, and treatment, it can be defeated.
Aluko’s story has also raised awareness and attention to the plight of cancer patients in Nigeria, where the disease is still a major public health problem. According to the World Health Organization, Nigeria has one of the highest cancer mortality rates in the world, with over 100,000 deaths per year. This is due to several factors, such as lack of access to quality and affordable health care, low awareness and knowledge, late diagnosis and treatment, and social and cultural barriers. Aluko’s story has highlighted the need for more action and intervention from the government, the health sector, the media, and the society, to address these issues and improve the situation of cancer patients in Nigeria.
Conclusion
Bidemi Aluko was a remarkable woman, who lived a remarkable life. She was a footballer, a goalkeeper, a Super Falcon, a champion, a fighter, a survivor, a hero, and an angel. She was a role model, a mentor, a friend, a sister, a daughter, and a mother. She was a human being, who had dreams, hopes, fears, joys, and pains. She was a legend, who left a mark on the world, and who will never be forgotten.
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