Former Nigeria international, Femi Opabunmi has shared his harrowing experience of losing his sights while playing football.

The ex-Super Eagles player was forced to retire at the early age of 21 due to an eye condition that medical experts described as “complicated.”

Speaking on Brila FM’s “The Big Interview”, the 39 year-old recounted his ordeal and how he has managed to cope since then.

“When I was playing in France, my challenges started. If I was on the field, I couldn’t see the ball, but off the field, I could. I had to see an eye specialist,” Opabunmi explained.

“I went to Romania, America, and many other places for check-ups. When I received the results, the specialist told me that my case was complicated and that if I didn’t operate within ten days, I would go completely blind. As a young player, I was confused but had no choice but to undergo the operation.”

He continued, “But after the operation, things got worse. I was totally blind for seventeen days before God restored my sight, but only in one eye. To this day, I still only see with one eye, and even that is not 100%—it’s like 50%. But at least I can walk by myself, and I thank God for that.”

Opabunmi also spoke about the psychological toll the situation took on him.

“When they told me my case was complicated, I knew it wasn’t just medical; as an African, you just have to know it might be a spiritual attack,” he said.

“When I decided to retire, I was still active. I was thinking a lot, and it got to a stage where I wanted to kill myself. The challenges were so much that I spent all the money I had trying to recover my eyesight, seeking solutions in various places, including with pastors and alfas, spending millions.”

The former player credited his wife for helping him through the darkest times.

“I was down; I would see paper and think it was money. I was depressed and wanted to kill myself, but I thank God for my wife, who stood by me. She reminded me to believe in my God, which changed my mentality.”