Former Bournemouth forward Jordan Chiedozie who lost a leg in a motorway crash received a guard of honour from his former club and teammates.
The 30-year-old, who was on Bournemouth’s books from 2007 to 2012 but never made his senior debut for the club, was left in a coma after the crash in February.
Chiedozie, who played for Southern League club Bashley FC, was on the way home from an away game at Tavistock in Devon when the accident happened on the M27 near Ower, Hampshire.
After suffering a flat tyre, Chiedozie and Bashley physio Reighan Taylor pulled over onto the motorway hard shoulder.
As the player stepped out to assess the situation, he was struck by another vehicle and had to be rushed to hospital where he remained in a coma for two weeks.
He suffered life-changing injuries, losing his right leg and suffering open fractures on his left leg, as well as cracking his pelvis.
In aid of Chiedozie, Bashley hosted AFC Bournemouth’s development side on Friday, with the youth side winning the game 6-1.
Chiedozie, whose father is former Nigeria international and Tottenham Hotspur player John Chiedozie, played for the Bournemouth’s academy side for seven years earlier in his career.
Jordan Chiedozie suffered life-changing injuries in a motorway crash, losing his right leg and suffering open fractures on his left leg, as well as cracking his pelvis
Bashley FC and AFC Bournemouth’s development side performed a guard of honour for Chiedozie before their match on Friday
Chiedozie played for the Bournemouth’s academy side for seven years earlier in his career. Pictured: Chiedozie playing for Southend United
Ahead of the game both sets of teams performed a guard of honour for Chiedozie who made his way onto the pitch.
He said the ‘one goal’ he had set himself was to be able to walk back in to Bashley.
‘I’ve still got a long journey, learning a whole new lifestyle with the prosthetic leg,’ Chiedozie told the BBC.
”It’s hard to process – you are happy and blessed to be here but you have still gone through serious injuries.’
On X (formerly Twitter) , Bashley FC’s page said: ‘The football came second today, it was all about showing support and love to the inspirational Jordan Chiedozie.
‘A massive thank you to AFC Bournemouth Academy and both sets of supporters who made tonight very special.’
Bashley FC manager, Jack Williamson posted: ‘A day that meant so much. Inspirational doesn’t even begin to describe Jordan Chiedozie.
‘AFC Bournemouth Academy were immaculate as anticipated and just another step on our journey forward as a club this season.’
Jordan Chiedozie’s father is former Nigeria international and Tottenham Hotspur player John Chiedozie (pictured)
Chiedozie said the ‘one goal’ he had set himself was to be able to walk back in to Bashley
Following his youth career at Bournemouth, Chiedozie went on to play for clubs including Cambridge United, Margate, Poole Town and AFC Totton.
More than £34,000 has been raised by several football clubs through match day collections and online fundraisers to help the self-employed striker, who also worked in the building trade.
A 44-year-old woman, from Wraysbury in Berkshire, was arrested on suspicion of drink driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
She was later bailed until May 1, extended until August 1.
