Akpokona recovering well, doesn’t need assistance – Son News

Tega Akpokona, the son of former Nigeria international and ex-Bendel Insurance coach Lawrence Akpokona, has moved to clarify the health status of his father, dismissing claims that he is bedridden and urgently requires medical aid, The PUNCH reports.

Speaking to The PUNCH on Monday, Tega explained that much of the alarming coverage stemmed from misunderstandings.

He stated that the family had consistently provided full support for Akpokona’s recovery and that he had been receiving top-tier medical care since the incident started, while emphasising that, despite his appearance in images circulating online, his father has always been under close supervision and is not in a dire condition.

“We appreciate everyone in Nigeria that took to the news. Fortunately, in this case, it’s not in that light anymore,” he said.

“Lawrence Akpokona has actually had the support of his family members from the very beginning and the entire process. He had a very comprehensive support.”

“He had the best medical care from the head of neurosurgery. I don’t think there’s a better hand we could have found within the South South of this country to handle this situation.”

Tega concluded by stressing that the reports of his plea for assistance were simply a matter of misunderstanding and that the confusion might have arisen from internal discussions being misinterpreted externally, stressing that Akpokona is not the type to seek attention or publicity over his health.

“It’s not like saying we reject this action or anything like that. However, it’s just a case of misunderstanding,” Tega added.

“The picture might have just been in the case of look at the way I am or you want to see your friend or you thought it was just a matter of internal discussion. If you know him in person, he will never ever be. He is not an external person that comes out like that.”

“He’s already known for his profession. He doesn’t need any publicity for that kind of thing. So that’s where we stand.”

The clarification comes amid earlier reports that Akpokona, hospitalised at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital since October 2025 after a severe spinal cord injury, was in critical condition and needed urgent assistance.

Throughout his career, Akpokona played prominently for Bendel Insurance and represented Nigeria internationally before moving into coaching, where he has guided and developed numerous young players.