Kadiri Ikhana is a well-known Nigerian football coach and former midfielder. Born on December 31, 1951, in Ilorin, Nigeria, he made a name for himself both as a player and coach. He is most remembered for leading Enyimba FC to Nigeria’s first-ever CAF Champions League victory in 2003. He also coached several local clubs and national teams, including the Nigerian women’s national team.
Kadiri Ikhana Profile
| Name | Kadiri Ikhana |
| Real Name | Kadiri Ikhana |
| Date of Birth | 31 December 1951 |
| Age | 74 years |
| State of Origin | Kwara State |
| Tribe | Yoruba |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Football Coach and Former Midfielder |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Net Worth | $100,000 |
| Copied from | contents101.com |
Educational Background
Kadiri Ikhana’s deep understanding of football tactics and strategy reflects years of experience and training within the Nigerian football system. Most of his learning came from hands-on involvement as both player and coach.
Career
Kadiri Ikhana started his football journey as a midfielder for Bendel Insurance, winning the Nigerian league title in 1979 and FA Cups in 1978 and 1980. He played for the Nigerian national team and was part of the 1980 African Cup of Nations-winning squad. He also represented Nigeria in FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the 1980 Summer Olympics.
As a coach, he worked with several Nigerian teams, including El-Kanemi Warriors, BCC Lions, Kwara United, Sharks, Sunshine Stars, Giwa FC, and Nasarawa United.
In 2003, he led Enyimba FC to win the CAF Champions League a historic achievement for Nigeria. That same year, he was named CAF Coach of the Year. Ikhana also coached the Nigerian men’s Olympic team in 2004 and later managed the Super Falcons (women’s team) in 2012.
He had two stints with Kano Pillars, helping them win their first-ever league title in 2008, though he resigned shortly after, citing corruption in Nigerian football. His international experience includes managing Mohammedan SC in Bangladesh in 1995.
Controversies
Kadiri Ikhana has mostly stayed away from public scandal, but he made headlines in 2008 when he resigned from Kano Pillars right after leading them to their first league title. He cited deep-rooted corruption in Nigerian football as the reason. His bold move sparked conversation across the sports community.
Kadiri Ikhana Social Media Handle
Kadiri Ikhana is not active on social media platforms like Twitter or Instagram. Most updates about him come from news outlets and former teammates or journalists who know him personally.
Personal Life
Kadiri Ikhana is a married and blessed with children Sadly, he has been very ill recently. In July 2025, former teammate Segun Odegbami revealed that Ikhana is currently hospitalized and critically ill at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Edo State. He is reportedly undergoing blood transfusions and in urgent need of support.
Kadiri Ikhana Net Worth
Kadiri Ikhana‘s net worth is estimated to be around $100,000.