Rachel Otuoma Reveals Doctors Gave Ezekiel Otuoma One Year to Live

Rachel Otuoma, wife of the late footballer Ezekiel Otuoma, has disclosed that doctors in India predicted he had only a year to live following his diagnosis.

Otuoma passed away on December 21, 2024, at the age of 31. In an interview with Oga Obinna, Rachel revealed that she never shared the devastating prognosis with him or their family.

“Otuoma was given one year to live, but he never knew. I never told him or our family. Imagine living with someone, knowing they will die. Motor Neuron Disease has no cure, and I didn’t want him to lose hope. That’s why I gave him the best life I could.”

His Diagnosis & Battle with Motor Neuron Disease

Otuoma was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease in 2020. Speaking in a previous interview with Lynn Ngugi, Rachel recalled how his symptoms started subtly and were initially dismissed.

“It started like a flu. We tried homemade remedies, but his voice kept fading, and his speech became slurred. A teammate suggested seeing a specialist. After tests with a neurologist, he was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease.”

Addressing Criticism & Public Perception

Rachel also responded to claims that she used her husband’s illness for financial gain.

“People will always talk. But apart from his illness, not much changed between when he was sick and before that.”

She also revealed that some friends advised her to leave him, but she chose to stay.

“People told me to walk away, saying that if the roles were reversed, he would have left me. But I knew I had to do my part. He treated me well, and I stood by him.”

His Death & Rachel’s Heartfelt Tribute

On her birthday in 2024, Rachel took to social media to announce Otuoma’s passing, just hours after celebrating.

*”To my husband, you left a hole in my heart that no one else can fill 💔. The emptiness in my arms reminds me of the love we shared.

However, it was too soon, and that broke my heart. You left on my birthday—it will never be the same again 💔. You never said you were leaving, never showed a sign, never said goodbye 😭.

In life, I loved you dearly; in death, I love you still. In my heart, you hold a place that only you can fill. Losing you broke my heart, but you didn’t go alone—a part of me went with you. Till we meet again.”*

When asked about her current dating life, Rachel declined to comment.