In the world of Nigerian Sports, a remarkable transformation is underway.
From the glory of the pitch, athletic track, tennis court, and basketball court to the boardrooms of business, former footballers, athletes, and basketball players are redefining success as entrepreneurs, businessmen, and even club owners.
Join us as we explore the inspiring journeys of these iconic figures who have made the transition from these to the world of commerce, leaving a lasting legacy both on and off the pitch.
In no particular order, here are a few Nigerian ex-footballers, athletes, in general, sports businessmen, and the thriving businesses they do.
“Emmanuel Emenike, a former Nigerian footballer, retired from the Nigeria National team in October 2015. Following his retirement, Emenike embarked on a new career as an author.
His literary works have garnered multiple awards. Emenike also holds the position of CEO at the highly successful Entrepreneur Business Blog, and he serves as the lead coach of the Excellent Entrepreneur’s Network (TEEN) and Chief Evangelist of Ebusiness Room Ventures.
Among his notable books are titles such as “Sell More in Less Time,” “Bridge The Gap,” “Cracking The Information Product Code,” “Activating the Ministry of Angels,” “Deliver the Future and Repackage Yourself,” and “30 Ways to Make Money as a Writer in Nigeria.”
In 2019, he was honoured as the Blogger of the Year by the Global Excellence in Marketing Awards in the USA. In 2018, the blog achieved recognition by being listed among the Top 20 African Business Blogs by Bonde Reduction, based in Côte d’Ivoire.
Furthermore, Emenike is involved in the construction industry, specializing in selling armoured Turkish doors for luxury homes. He also holds real estate properties in Owerri and Lagos.
Entrepreneur Business Blog was established in 2016, with the primary objective of assisting numerous small businesses in discovering effective sales, marketing, and advertising tools and strategies to maintain a competitive edge.”
He is also the owner of the EE 29 hotels and suites in Owerri, Imo.
An ex-international who played for the Super Eagles of Nigeria and club sides including Iwuanyanwu Nationale (now Heartland FC), Ajax, and Arsenal. Kanu needs no introduction to Lovers of Nigeria Football and he’s regarded as a legend of the Nigerian national team and Arsenal FC.
Kanu had a stellar football career in which he won several individual awards ranging from his time with the national teams to club sides such as Ajax, Inter Milan, and Arsenal.
Among Kanu’s awards are two African Footballer of the Year awards (1996 & 1999) and two BBC African Footballer of the Year awards (1997 & 1999).
He had quite a couple of successes with the National team and has also transcended that to Business.
Kanu has a host of investments especially in real estate. He is the owner of a 4-star hotel, Hardley Apartments in Victoria Island Lagos. He is currently the Chairman of Enyimba Football Club.
‘Obagoal’ in 2004, at just 19 years old, Martins marked his first appearance for Nigeria during the 2004 Unity Cup in London. He left a significant impression by netting the second goal in the tri-nations tournament.
Furthermore, he played a crucial role in the Nigerian squad that clinched third place in the 2006 African Cup of Nations. During the competition, Martins showcased his prowess by scoring two remarkable goals, both of which were against Senegal in the initial round.
Obafemi Martins is involved in multiple businesses. He runs a foundation called the Obafemi Martins Foundation.
Martins possesses a multi-million-dollar nightclub, “ Cosa Nostra Patron ’’ located in Lagos, and is set to be unveiled soon. He is also the proprietor of a prestigious hotel in Lagos State. He proudly possesses over 20 houses in high-end areas such as VGC in Ajah, Lagos State, Chevy View Estate, Lekki, Ikoyi, and other prominent locations in Victoria Island. In addition to his extensive real estate holdings, he boasts a successful clothing line in the United States, generating millions of dollars in revenue. Martin’s extensive property portfolio also includes numerous land holdings on the Lagos Island axis. It’s quite possible that the unveiling of the Obafemi Martins estate is on the horizon as well.
So good they named him twice, Austin Jay Jay Okocha is highly revered in the Nigerian Football scene.
He is the CEO of the Jay-Jay Okocha Group West Africa.
This conglomerate encompasses various divisions, including a Bureau de Change, a restaurant, a bar, and the importation of consumer products such as wine. Additionally, the company is actively engaged in property development, road construction, electronic sales and distribution, and football management.
As a brand ambassador, Jay Jay has collaborated with a wide array of well-known brands, such as Bajaj Auto (an Indian motorcycle manufacturing company), Kwik Delivery, Xiaomi, Bullet Energy Drink, New Age, and BetKing.
A top Legend in the World of Nigeria Basketball, the captain of the D’Tigers of Nigeria for a very long time during his days, Olumide played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for three seasons. He won 2 bronze medals and 1 gold medal for Nigeria at the FIBA African Championship.
