Football could be a money spinning sport for footballers if they are able to make it to the zenith of their careers for as long as it lasts.
Nigeria has produced a number of global football stars who left an indelible mark on the sport both locally and on the global scene.
However, like every other human endeavour, there are times when you are top of the world, and there are other times when the ovation is nowhere near loud, with fulfillment elsewhere other than one’s regular stomping ground.
Besides that, nature will always have its way. No matter how skillful or physically fit an athlete is, there is always that time to call time on one’s career.
Such is the lot of many former internationals who have made a name for themselves both locally and on the global stage representing Nigeria and their clubs.
From the rigours of slugging it out on the pitch to being executives of igaming companies or faces of online betting sites, these former players have made a seamless transition from active sports to boardroom executives.
The sport of football is money-spinning, especially if you made it to the zenith of the sport by representing big clubs with deep pockets.
However, there is always life after sports and these players have seen opportunities in the booming igaming sector of Nigeria and some have grabbed it with both hands.
Here are some past Super Eagles players who have stakes in a betting company or a face of an online betting company in Nigeria.
1. Jay Jay Okocha
Jay Okocha was a mercurial midfielder in his days and his exploits at Bolton Wanderers will not be forgotten so soon.
Since hanging up his playing boots, the former PSG star has ventured into so many businesses.
He is reported to have a stake in Betking and quite rightly he has been the face of many of their commercial campaigns.
2. Victor Ikpeba
Victor Ikpeba is another ex-Eagles star who is a prominent face for a betting company in the country.
For years, he has been an ambassador for one of Nigeria’s biggest betting companies, Bet9ja.
He has featured in a number of advertisements including the popular Bet9ja bonus for customers.
Besides working with Bet9ja, he appears regularly on Television as a pundit.
3. Nwankwo Kanu
Nwankwo Kanu had a stellar career ladened with many medals.
He famously led Nigeria to the Gold medal of the football event at the Atlanta 96 Olympic Games.
He also enjoyed a good spell at Arsenal under Arsene Wenger.
Nowadays, he is a brand ambassador for Sportybet, a betting company in Nigeria and many other African countries.
4. Finidi George
Along with Nwankwo Kanu, Finidi George was the first set of Nigerians to win the UEFA Champions League.
After his stint with Ajax, his career took him to Spain and England before calling time on his career.
Presently, he is one of the coaches within the National team set up but before his present role in the Super Eagles, he was the face of Lucky Bet for a very long time.
5. Daniel Amokachi
Daniel ‘The Bull’ Amokachi was another talented player who turned out for the Super Eagles.
He holds the record for being the first player to score in the UEFA Champions League when he turned out for Brugge.
Since retiring, he has had long spells as Assistant Super Eagles coach and he has been promoting Bet Bonanza, a local betting company as well.
