Former Super Falcons Player Seeks NFF Aid for Gender Correction Surgery

Former Super Falcons player Iyabo Abade, now known as James Johnson, is appealing to the Nigeria Football Federation NFF for financial assistance to complete his gender correction surgery. Johnson, a hermaphrodite who underwent a sex change operation in 2004, needs N69.7 million to finalize the surgery phases that will enable him to father children.

Johnson, who represented the Super Falcons from 1997 to 2000, started his transformation in the United States, funded by Mallam Nasir El Rufai, the then Minister of Federal Capital Territory. Now 40 years old, Johnson is seeking NFF’s support to complete the remaining phases.

Anytime I think that I can’t father a child yet, I feel broken. That is why I wrote to the federation for financial assistance. The NFF president Ibrahim Gusau is a man with a listening ear, and hopefully, through him, the federation can help me achieve my dream.

In a heartfelt letter to the NFF president, Johnson detailed his journey and emphasized the need for the final surgeries to become a fully fledged man and father children. The letter, dated April 4, 2023, outlined the total cost of the surgery, amounting to $160,000 N69,750,000.

Johnson recounted his experience, stating, I was born a hermaphrodite, i.e., both female and male organs, and was brought up as a female. I love football and played very well, which led to my selection to play for the Super Falcons in 1997. During my playing days, an issue arose that led to a test confirming I am a hermaphrodite, 70% male and 30% female.

This led to terminating my appointment as a female player. The NFA Nigeria Football Association instructed that I should go for sex corrective surgery. The then Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, sponsored my trip to the United States for the surgery. I was told I would undergo four phases of surgery.

The first and second phases were completed, and I was invited to join the Flying Eagles camp in 2005 under Coach Samson Siasia, but I was dropped due to overage. I signed with NEPA Football Club of Abuja, then Plateau United of Jos, and later Crown Football Club of Ogbomoso, where I faced discrimination and humiliation.

Editorial

We strongly advocate for the Nigeria Football Federation NFF to provide the necessary financial assistance to James Johnson, a former Super Falcons player, to complete his gender correction surgery. Johnson’s journey from Iyabo Abade to James Johnson is not just a personal transformation but a story of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of identity.

James’s heartfelt appeal underscores the profound emotional and psychological impact of incomplete medical procedures. His desire to father children and live fully as a man is a fundamental human right that should be supported. The NFF has a unique opportunity to demonstrate compassion and solidarity by helping one of its former players achieve this essential goal.

The financial cost of $160,000 N69,750,000 is significant, but the impact of completing the surgery phases extends beyond monetary value. It represents hope, dignity, and the fulfilment of a lifelong dream. James’s contribution to Nigerian football, despite the challenges and discrimination he has faced, is commendable. Supporting him in this critical time is a testament to the NFF’s commitment to the welfare of its players, both past and present.

We believe that NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, known for his empathy and listening ear, will understand the urgency and importance of this request. James’s plea is a reminder that the journey of transformation is not just physical but also deeply emotional. It requires support, understanding, and the willingness to stand by those who have given so much to the sport.

As we await the NFF’s response, we stand in solidarity with James Johnson, hoping that his dream of becoming a father will soon be realized. This support will not only change his life but also inspire countless others facing similar challenges.

Did You Know?

1. James Johnson, formerly Iyabo Abade, was one of the first Nigerian athletes to publicly undergo gender correction surgery.
2. The term hermaphrodite is now considered outdated and offensive the preferred term is intersex.
3. The Nigeria Football Federation NFF was founded in 1945 and is the governing body for football in Nigeria.
4. Gender confirmation surgery typically involves multiple phases, including hormone therapy and several surgical procedures.
5. The cost of gender confirmation surgery can vary widely, often reaching tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the procedures and location.