Victor Osimhen, Nwankwo Kanu, and Austin Jay Jay Okocha are inspirational figures aspiring Nigerian football talents look up to during their player development journey. Chelsea legend Didier Drogba conveyed a compelling message to aspiring talents who aspire to emulate those legends.
Prominent football figures and experts are highlighting the importance of players’ personal performance in achieving success in their football journey. Instead of relying solely on agents, these football icons emphasize the significance of on-field performance.
“Your best agent is not the guy you trust,” he said in a recent interview on August 10 with soccernet.ng. “The best agent you can have is yourself and your performance. This never lies.”
Similarly, Geremi Sorele Njitap Fotso, commonly known as Geremi, a former Cameroon international and Chelsea defender currently serving as the FIFPro Africa President, shared his perspective from his own experience. He recognized the hurdles that African players encounter as they strive to succeed in football and support their families.
He said:
“African players want to pursue their dreams in football, but also to provide for their families at home. I had some difficult times at the start of my career, but I pulled through because I met a good and supportive person. I was lucky.”
Addressing the issue of fake agents, Raymond Hassan, a football scout for Mavlon FC, emphasizes educating players to identify fraud. He states that he educates players who approach him with sponsorship funds about the reality of fake agents.
Olatunji Okuku, founder of Triple 44 Academy in Nigeria, shares how football academies grapple with opportunities for players and the presence of questionable agents. He notes that club owners also face these challenges while seeking opportunities for their players.
Collectively, these perspectives from the football community underscore the idea that although agents can have an impact, personal performance and unwavering dedication are the fundamental cornerstones of a prosperous career.
Unveiling football’s journey to glory in Nigeria
Football’s journey to popularity in Nigeria has been a dynamic one. The sport’s roots can be traced back to the early 20th century when British colonial authorities introduced it. Over time, football gained traction among local communities, evolving from informal matches to organized leagues.
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