Yebsaya: From Nigeria U23 Team to mental health issues and homelessness

Kaseem Yebsaya’s story is one of immense talent, fleeting glory, and heartbreaking downfall.

Once a rising star in Nigerian football, Yebsaya’s journey from the heights of international recognition to roaming the streets of Taraba State is a tale that underscores the fragility of athletic careers and the lack of support systems for retired athletes.

In the mid-1990s, Kaseem Yebsaya was a standout forward for Nigeria’s U23 Dream Team.

His performances during the 1996 Olympic African qualifiers were instrumental in securing Nigeria’s place at the Atlanta Olympics.

His skill and determination caught the attention of European clubs, and in January 1996, he signed with Turkish Super Lig side Denizlispor.

Yebsaya’s time in Turkey showed promise. He made eight appearances for Denizlispor, including one start and three substitute appearances.

His performances were impressive enough to earn him an invitation to trial with Ajax Amsterdam, one of Europe’s most prestigious clubs at the time.

The invitation to Ajax was supposed to be the pinnacle of Yebsaya’s career.

Ajax, fresh off winning the UEFA Champions League in 1995, was looking to rebuild its squad after losing key players, including Nigerian stars Kanu Nwankwo and Finidi George.

Yebsaya was seen as a potential replacement and was invited for trials.

However, disaster struck during the trials. Yebsaya suffered a knee injury and failed the medical tests.

Ajax, unable to sign him due to his health issues, sent him away. This rejection marked the beginning of a downward spiral for the young footballer.

After his rejection from Ajax, Yebsaya’s health began to deteriorate.

He was reportedly accommodated in Holland by fellow Nigerian footballer Tijani Babangida for three months before being deported back to Nigeria in 2013.

Upon his return, Yebsaya’s condition worsened.

He was transported to Kaduna, where he had begun his professional career, and later to his hometown in Takum, Taraba State.

By then, he was reportedly homeless and suffering from mental health issues.

Yusuf Ubale, a former footballer who helped in Yebsaya’s rehabilitation, recounted visiting him in Takum and finding him in a dire state.

“I was shocked to see him dressed shabbily and saying words I could not understand,” Ubale said.

In 2018, there was a glimmer of hope when Yebsaya briefly returned to football as a coach, leading Takum Local Government Football Club to the quarter-finals of the Taraba State Governor’s Cup.

However, his mental health issues resurfaced, and he was admitted to a psychiatric hospital in Kaduna.

Yebsaya’s elder brother, Wukari Yebsaya, confirmed that the former footballer is currently in Kaduna, staying with a friend.

He revealed that Yebsaya requires consistent medical attention and yearly medication, which the family struggles to afford.

Yebsaya’s story has sparked calls for assistance from well-meaning Nigerians and the football community.

Hüseyin, a Turkish national, expressed interest in raising awareness about Yebsaya’s plight in Turkey.

Yebsaya with teammates

Meanwhile, Yusuf Ubale and others continue to seek financial support to ensure Yebsaya receives the care he needs.

“Presently, he needs money to buy drugs so that he can get back to normal,” Wukari Yebsaya said.

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