Express’ Nigerian player Vincent Onyebuchi received a lifeline after doctors revealed he had survived being amputated after suffering an infection to his broken leg.

Onyebuchi broke his leg two months ago in a league game against Proline but after initial surgery at Mengo Hospital was moved to Lisa Medical Centre.

But with the club struggling to meet daily medical costs, the defender was told over the weekend he would lose his leg if further surgery was not done as he suffered another infection.

He was consequently moved to CoRSU, a renowned rehabilitation hospital in Kisubi that has performed career-saving surgeries to some Ugandan sportsmen by a group led by former Express CEO Hamza Junju.

“We could not fix an appointment for the surgery on Wednesday as we did not have the money but the doctors have advised to bring him back on Thursday,” Junju told the Daily Monitor yesterday.

That however is also in doubt as the proposed shs10m sought is yet to be secured.

“We are in a discussion to see how we can raise the money and will come up with an official position later,” Express CEO Ivan Bayige said.

It was reported a fortnight ago that Express – whose chairperson is Hon Nakiwala the State Minister for Youth and children affairs – had failed to pay bills for the player’s full operation.

While the bill was later settled, the player’s condition worsened hence being moved to the Entebbe road facility.

The Nigerian defender joined the club in the mid-season transfer window at the start of the year.

By Elvis Senono for Daily Monitor