In the vibrant landscape of Nigerian football, the narratives of former internationals often resonate with both pride and sorrow. The recent lamentations of Taribo West during the burial of Peter Rufai struck a deep chord, highlighting a poignant reality. Despite their glorious pasts, many ex-internationals find themselves abandoned by the very system they once represented. Questions arise: Is the state meant to support ex-internationals for life? What became of the millions earned during their careers? And how does this compare to the lives of other professionals in Nigeria?
Taribo West expressed his grief over Peter Rufai’s untimely passing, stating that the late goalkeeper was left to fend for himself—a sentiment that encapsulates the struggle of many retired athletes. Rufai, who was instrumental during Nigeria’s golden era in the 1990s, exemplifies a broader issue within the sports community: the lack of support for those who have dedicated their lives to bringing glory to the nation.
As West articulated, the state’s neglect of its former stars raises critical questions about the responsibilities owed to these athletes. Should the government ensure their well-being long after their playing days are over, or is it solely the responsibility of the individuals to manage their wealth attained during their careers?
The Financial Landscape of Nigerian Footballers
Nigerian footballers, particularly those who have played at the international level, are often perceived as having amassed considerable wealth. Contracts worth millions of dollars, endorsements, and bonuses can create the illusion of financial security. However, the reality is often different. Many players, upon retirement, find themselves grappling with financial instability.
In the heyday of their careers, ex-internationals like Taribo West earned substantial sums. For instance, according to a report by PM Sports Newspaper in 1999, “Nigerian international duo Taribo West and Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha rank among the highest-paid footballers worldwide. West, who played for AC Milan, and Okocha at PSG, earned $1.24 million (approximately ₦193 million) yearly.” However, the challenges of managing their wealth can be overwhelming. The transition from a high-income lifestyle to a more modest existence can be jarring. Factors such as poor financial advice, lack of investment knowledge, and the pressures of maintaining a certain lifestyle contribute to the precarious financial situations many face.
While Okocha successfully expanded his wealth into an investment in the Jay-Jay Okocha Group West Africa, an enterprise with diverse interests, the same cannot be said for some of his colleagues. Okocha’s current net worth, according to an AOIFootball report from December 2024, is estimated to be between €4.45 million and €13.35 million (₦7.95 billion to ₦23.85 billion), highlighting his success both on and off the pitch.
The financial struggles experienced by some ex-Nigerian internationals serve as a cautionary tale about the importance of financial literacy and planning for the future. While some ex-internationals have successfully transitioned into coaching, punditry, or business ventures, others have not been as fortunate.
Speaking to LEADERSHIP Weekend Sports, Emmanuel Zira, former chairman of Adamawa United FC and MD/CEO of Multiple Trade and Investment Limited, noted that the financial struggles facing some ex-Nigerian internationals are self-inflicted, saying they failed to make hay while the sun shone.
“Instead of investing their money wisely, what we see them do over the years is buy expensive cars, bulletproof vehicles, jets, and so on. Look at Cristiano Ronaldo; the Portuguese star is a smart person and invests his wealth wisely. If our players were smart, with the kind of money they made, they wouldn’t return to Nigeria after retirement struggling with club management. They would come back and set up their own clubs. So, for me, the argument that the government should take care of retired footballers doesn’t hold water at all because they were duly and fully paid and rewarded both in cash and kind when they played for Nigeria.
“Nigeria didn’t benefit a kobo from their earnings while playing for the country and at their clubs because they didn’t pay taxes to the government. Their earnings didn’t come through our financial system (Central Bank) to boost our foreign reserves; they came in cash in pounds and dollars and were changed at the black market without going through our financial system. If they had deposited one million pounds of their earnings in a fixed deposit account and locked it up, I can tell you that by the time they finished their playing careers, they would have three or four times that amount. But many of them didn’t do that. They preferred flying jets, staying in expensive hotels, and socialising instead of visiting their villages.
“They will go to Lagos and stay at the Eko Hotel for days. After indulging themselves, they expect Nigeria to take care of them after retirement. What kind of talk is that?” Zira asked rhetorically. “The same Taribo West who lamented that Nigeria abandoned them after playing for the country forgot that he confessed that if not for Nigeria, he would have been in a slum.”
Speaking similarly, former Super Eagles assistant coach Fanny Amun stated that neither the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) nor the federal government is responsible for the poor living conditions of some retired football players.
Amun, who guided the Golden Eaglets to victory at the FIFA U-17 Championship in Japan, spoke on Brila FM, describing the service of the players while active as a trade-off. “It was a trade-off. I always say this: when they were performing, the Federation and the government were taking care of them, including me. So, you don’t need to apportion blame to others; let us stop those drastic issues that do not make any sense,” he said.
Amun stressed that some retired players are drowning in bankruptcy due to a lack of planning for their retirement during their active days. “Please, the government has been very efficient and supportive to all of us. It was a privilege; we were not the best.”
The State’s Responsibility
The question of the state’s responsibility towards ex-internationals is complex. While some argue that the government should provide support, others believe that athletes should take personal responsibility for their financial futures. This debate often hinges on cultural perceptions of success and the role of the state in individual welfare.
In many developed countries, there are structured support systems for retired athletes, including pensions and healthcare benefits. In contrast, Nigeria lacks a comprehensive framework for supporting ex-internationals. The absence of such systems can leave retired athletes vulnerable, leading to feelings of abandonment by the state.
Prince Harrison Jalla, chairman of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) task force, described the financial duty of care as a shared responsibility among various stakeholders, stating that no matter how famous or wealthy a sportsman or woman is—whether current or retired—there exists a conventional duty of care, both moral and financial, particularly for those who have served their country meritoriously.
“We are not asking for government money. We are only demanding funds generated by FIFA through the activities of professional footballers globally, which are distributed annually to national federations—in Nigeria’s case, through the NFF. This is not a privilege—it is a right and entitlement.
“The same applies to any revenue generated internally through professional football activities. A percentage should rightly go to PFAN to set up welfare programmes for current and retired footballers through a collective bargaining agreement with the NFF and NSC. This is the global standard. These institutions owe sportsmen and women—particularly footballers—a duty of care. Given the short career span and precarious nature of professional sports, safety nets should be in place to help avoid the pitfalls.
“What percentage of professional footballers are successful in every generation? How much do footballers in Nigeria really earn? At what age are they recruited into the game, and at what age do they retire?
“The financial duty of care is a shared responsibility among various stakeholders. In football, this includes the NFF, PFAN, clubs, and the private sector. Where a collective bargaining agreement exists, it should serve as a permanent structure, run by professional financial managers, to prevent the constant embarrassments we witness repeatedly,” Jalla stated.
According to Jalla, the bulk of the funds flowing into football globally—generated by FIFA and distributed annually to all member federations and CAF—comes through the activities of professional footballers. “These players are entitled to a percentage of such funds for welfare programs through their unions. This is not a favour, but a rightful entitlement, and it only requires competent leadership to implement.
“Player welfare is not solely the duty of the NFF or NSC—it lies primarily with PFAN. The earlier the NFF and NSC formally enter into a collective bargaining agreement with PFAN to manage its own affairs, the better for the image of the Federal Government.”
In his contribution, retired Nigerian FIFA referee Dr Alex Maina stated that the current crop of Nigerian professional players are more fortunate and knowledgeable in financial management compared to their older generation of players.
“The older generation of players lacked good and effective player management, but the same cannot be said for the current crop of typical Nigerian professional players. The older generation of players’ remuneration or ‘take-home pay’ wasn’t as good as that of current players. That doesn’t mean they couldn’t save or invest for their future or for rainy days.
“Currently, the transfer fees for a typical Nigerian player can be equivalent to what was almost our yearly national budget.
“That also doesn’t mean that such a player will ignore procedures aimed at being prudent in financial investment and management of such huge earnings. Therefore, the question is: Was it supposed to be that someone else should tell him or her how to save for a better future? And why is it that, when he or she is now in dire need, that someone should be blamed for his or her inability to be foresighted and prudent in financial accountability after squandering his or her earnings?
“Conclusively, the aspect of welfare should be that of organisations (or better still that of federations as it may be). Going forward, or better still ‘collectively in groups and packages as may be agreed upon jointly, e.g., by players’ unions, etc., and maybe sanctioned by, for example, the present National Sports Commission,” Maina suggested.
Comparing Professions: Teachers vs. Footballers
To understand the broader implications of this issue, it is essential to compare the financial trajectories of ex-internationals with those of other professionals in Nigeria, such as teachers. A teacher in Nigeria, after 35 years of service, generally earns a modest salary and faces challenges in retirement. The stark contrast between their earnings and those of footballers raises questions about societal values and priorities.
For instance, the Nigerian Women’s National Team, known as the Super Falcons, and their basketball counterparts received a one-off payment of $100,000. In contrast, a university professor in Nigeria may take several years to earn that amount through their salary. This discrepancy highlights the inequality present within the professional sphere in Nigeria, where the financial rewards of sports can dwarf those of traditional professions.
“Let us be modest in our expectations of Nigeria,” former Adamawa United Chairman Zira declared. “Just like you mentioned, the Super Falcons and D’Tigers players were each given $100,000 for winning their continental championships. A $100,000 is about ₦150 million, which would take a university lecturer—a profession—his lifetime to earn. How much is a lecturer’s salary? Their monthly pay is about ₦250,000. Multiply it by 12 months, and you get ₦3 million. If you multiply that by 35 years of service, it amounts to ₦105 million—a paltry sum compared to what the government paid these players for representing Nigeria in a two-week tournament. What we expect from talented sports athletes, if they’re wise, is to invest that money wisely.
“The truth is that Nigeria owes nobody any obligation. When you’re making money, you don’t think wisely about investing it. When you were playing for Nigeria, the government paid you $10,000 per match in bonuses—who earns that kind of money in Nigeria? Some players participated in 40, 50, or 60 or more games for Nigeria. In addition to match-winning bonuses, they received daily allowances, winning prizes for every tournament they attended, and were transported to every tournament and competition. They returned to the country with their money in their pockets and changed it at the black market without going through the Central Bank. Did they think they would play football for life? It is like every other career, including civil servants, and even you working for LEADERSHIP. You have your retirement age, and when you retire, you will not tell LEADERSHIP to take care of you. It is a silly argument for anyone to make. When you’re making money playing professional football from one country to another, you don’t think wisely to invest for your future—buy shares in banks, invest in fixed deposits, and develop Nigeria with your earnings. So that when you come back to Nigeria tomorrow, you have plenty to fall back on. Instead, you stayed abroad, wasted your money, married a white woman, and when you retire, you come back empty-handed and expect Nigeria to pick up the pieces. It can’t work that way. Nigeria owes none of them anything; the country has fully paid them their entitlements. It is just like hiring a bricklayer to help build your house and then saying you must keep paying him because he built a good house for you.”
Reacting to these arguments, former Super Eagles forward Brown Ideye declared that footballers who end up broke after retirement should be “jailed.”
The 2013 AFCON winner wrote on his official X account, advising active players to treat their wages as a lifetime’s salary earned in just a few years. “Footballers, start saving for your future from day one. No matter how small your salary is, put something aside for your retirement,” Ideye wrote.
The former Dynamo Kiev winger also stressed the importance of having a solid support system. “Pray for the right people around you, pray for a good partner, because these things matter after football,” he added.
His remarks came in response to an online debate about the financial struggles of ex-footballers. A follower had argued that players, especially those who enjoyed long stints in Europe, had little excuse not to build financial security.
Ideye’s response was blunt: “They should be jailed for life if, after they retire from playing, they can’t feed themselves.”
Ideye’s radical stance has since divided opinion. While some fans praised his hard-hitting call for personal accountability, others argued that the lack of institutional support for players remains a bigger problem.
The Financial Mishaps Of Ex-Internationals
While some ex-internationals may have squandered their earnings, it is essential to consider the systemic issues at play. Financial mismanagement can stem from a lack of education about money matters, coupled with the pressures of fame and lifestyle expectations. Many players, having come from humble beginnings, may not possess the necessary skills to manage their wealth effectively.
The stories of players who have mismanaged their finances are not uncommon. Several ex-internationals have reported losses in investments, failed businesses, and a lifestyle that outstripped their earnings. The pressure to maintain a certain image can lead to unsustainable spending habits, further exacerbating financial woes.
Wilson Oruma: Players like Wilson Oruma have fallen victim to scams and fraud, further deepening their financial struggles. After a club career in Europe, where he played for the likes of French Ligue 1 sides Lens, Marseille, Sochaux, Guingamp, as well as a stint at Swiss side Servette—winning the UEFA Intertoto Cup, Ligue 1, and French Cup—Oruma’s calculations did not go according to plan after his retirement.
In 2016, in his bid to start a new life after retirement, Oruma was reportedly duped of ₦2 billion by a Lagos pastor while trying to invest in the oil and gas sector.
The retired midfielder, who captained the Golden Eaglets to a second triumph at the U-17 World Cup in Japan in 1993, was allegedly swindled by a pastor who claimed to possess some oil blocks for sale.
According to reports, Oruma invested his entire fortune into the business plan, before realising he had been defrauded. Ever since, he has undergone trying times and reportedly suffered emotional distress for about two years.
At one point, reports claimed he was battling with insanity, but help came when the former President of the Nigerian Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, paid his outstanding hospital bills at that time and relocated him to a better-equipped facility in his bid to rehabilitate the former Nigeria international.
Pinnick also offered him a role in the Flying Eagles in 2017 and he was part of the Nigerian delegation to the 2018 U-20 World Cup.
Femi Opabunmi: There was also the case of former Eagles defender Femi Opabunmi, who was Nigeria’s youngest-ever player at a FIFA World Cup and the third youngest ever after Norman Whiteside and Samuel Eto’o when he starred for the Eagles in their final group game against England at the 2002 World Cup in Japan and Korea aged 17.
But just four years after that achievement, and having played for Shooting Stars, Grasshoppers Zürich, Hapoel Be’er Sheva, and Chamois Niortais in France, his career ended due to an eye problem.
“When the eye problem started, I woke up one day and just saw clouds; I couldn’t see well. I went to see a doctor in France, and they said it was a case of glaucoma,” Opabunmi recalled. “They said my case was complicated and that they didn’t understand everything. We went from one place to another, before I returned to Nigeria and started going from one place to another to see native doctors, anyone who could help.”
He now reportedly resides in a bungalow—the only property he owns after selling everything—in Ibadan with his wife and children.
Kingsley Obiekwu: Another Atlanta Olympics football gold medalist, Kingsley Obiekwu, in 2022 opened up about his financial struggles, which compelled him to use his Sienna car for commercial transport to sustain himself and his family. Obiekwu played alongside ex-internationals like Okocha and Kanu, who are billionaires today.
Success Stories Of Ex-Players Who Managed Well*
Conversely, there are ex-internationals who have successfully navigated their post-football careers. Players like Jay-Jay Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu have invested wisely, establishing businesses and engaging in philanthropic efforts. Their success serves as a beacon of hope and a model for younger players who aspire to achieve financial stability after their careers.
These success stories highlight the importance of financial education for athletes. By equipping players with the knowledge and skills to manage their finances, the sports community can help prevent the cycle of mismanagement that plagues many ex-internationals.
Sam Sodje: Unlike Obiekwu, former Super Eagles defender Sam Sodje, who only managed a few appearances for the Nigeria national team, has progressed in coaching and has made strides in levels 1 and 2 of coaching.
Sodje also runs his own company that deals with construction machine leasing in Nigeria.
Yakubu Aiyegbeni: Another example is Yakubu Aiyegbeni, a former Super Eagles striker who was a prolific attacker in his prime and played for English clubs such as Everton, Middlesbrough, and Blackburn.
After retirement, Aiyegbeni took on a new career as a football agent. His company, Wilbury Sports Management, helps aspiring players and coaches find
their pathways into football, with a training centre in Florida, USA, and another planned for Cyprus.
He also delved into the petroleum industry and hospitality business post-retirement.
Obafemi Martins: Obafemi Martins owns thriving businesses, including Cosa Nostra Patron, a well-known nightclub in Lagos, and a clothing line with his trademark acrobatic emblem in the United States. He also owns more than 20 properties in desirable areas of Lagos and manages the Obafemi Martins Foundation.
John Mikel Obi: Mikel’s business ventures are as varied as his football career was prolific. He co-owns a transport company that operates inter-state routes in Nigeria and serves as the face of BetWinner in Africa. In media, Mikel hosts The Obi One Podcast, where he shares insights into sports and business.
Emmanuel Emenike: Former Super Eagles striker Emmanuel Emenike has successfully cemented his footprint in Nigeria’s property market just as he did in football. He owns several real estate properties in Lagos and Owerri, EE 29 Hotels and Suites in Owerri, Imo State, and sells premium Turkish armoured doors for luxury homes.
Vincent Enyeama: The legendary goalkeeper is currently the owner of Vinpy Hotels in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The hotel is well-known in the neighbourhood for its calm setting and modern facilities. His passion as a player is reflected in his attention to providing high-quality service, which attracts people from all walks of life.
Sunday Oliseh: Oliseh has made strides in coaching and sports management. His resume includes coaching the Nigerian national team and winning an Olympic gold medal, all of which he incorporates into his business and coaching roles today.
Victor Ikpeba: Fondly called the Prince of Monaco, Ikpeba has turned his expertise to sports media as a pundit for SuperSport, where he co-hosts Monday Night Football. Ikpeba is also a brand ambassador for Bet9ja, Nigeria’s leading sports betting platform. His insight and enthusiasm for the sport have made him a respected figure in football analysis, inspiring a new generation of fans and players alike.
The Role Of Financial Education
Increasing financial literacy among athletes is crucial in addressing the challenges faced by ex-internationals. Initiatives aimed at educating players about money management, investment strategies, and the importance of planning for retirement can help create a more secure future for them.
Various organisations and former players have begun to advocate for financial education within the sports community. Workshops, seminars, and mentorship programmes can provide players with the tools they need to make informed decisions about their finances.
Daniel Amokachi: Amokachi was the first Nigerian player to own a private jet, but he returned it shortly after due to the overwhelming cost of maintenance.
When asked by Brila FM’s Bekederemo about the decision, Amokachi explained: “All I needed was to have my name on the airline, and at any point, I could call the aircraft to pick me up and fly me anywhere in the world. But just to fly over a country for clearance costs money; taking care of it costs money; even leaving it overnight costs money. Believe me, everything about me is the grace of God because without His grace, I would have been left with nothing. If I had kept the plane, it would have been seized eventually. I returned it to the company in 2000/2001 through a clean negotiation, and everybody was happy.”
The lesson for today’s footballers is clear: if Amokachi hadn’t made the wise and timely decision to return that jet, it could have crippled him financially for life. His story serves as a reminder that no matter how much money one makes at the peak of their career, wise financial choices are what guarantee long-term stability.
Building a Support Network
In addition to financial education, creating a support network for ex-internationals can play a significant role in their post-retirement lives. This network could include mentors, financial advisors, and former players who have successfully transitioned into new careers. By fostering a sense of community, ex-internationals can share experiences, advice, and resources, helping one another navigate the challenges they face.
The journey towards a more supportive framework for ex-internationals begins with acknowledging their sacrifices and committing to a future where they are valued and supported long after they hang up their boots.
The struggle of Nigerian ex-internationals is a multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive approach. Analysts are of the opinion that while the state has a role to play, individual responsibility, financial education, and community support are equally vital.
By addressing these challenges, they say Nigeria can create a more equitable environment for its athletes, ensuring that their past glories do not fade into obscurity and that they are not left with empty pockets after their illustrious careers.
