Top 5 Most Successful Ex Footballers In Nigeria

Who are the most successful ex footballers in Nigeria? Nwankwo Kanu? John Mikel Obi? Finidi George? Daniel Amokachi? Sunday Oliseh?

The list of the successful ex footballers goes on but which ones are the most successful?

In this article, I will mention the top five among them.

Top Five Most Successful Ex Footballers In Nigeria

5.  YAKUBU AIYEGBENI

YakubuAiyegbeni’s struggle with a hamstring injury in 2017 forced him into retirement for both Club and country.

He revealed the sad news on his 35th birthday in November, stating he would not be able to play anymore due to the injury.

Moving from football, the striker delved into the petroleum industry and hospitality business.

He currently has several petrol stations and hotels in Benin City, Edo state, and owns landed properties in London, Lagos, and Benin.

Yakubu has always been a private individual, so he may have more than what has been revealed.

4. JOSEPH YOBO

One of the best Nigerian center-half of the 21st to grace the country football scene, Yobo’s popularity with the national team is not in doubt.

A former captain of the super eagles, he organized and led the team that won the 2013 Africa nation Cup without losing any match along the way.

He retired from Club and national football a year later.

Ready to take on a new phase of his life, Yobo immediately launched a football academy in Rivers and Lagos state of grooming young talent in the country.

He also delved into real estate, acquiring properties in London, Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Abuja.

Also, he is currently the assistant coach of the Super Eagles.

Yobo, with these ventures, is one of the most successful Ex Nigerian international.

3. EMMANUEL EMENIKE

Emmanuel Emenike is an ex Nigerian footballer who retired from the Nigeria National team in October 2015 and continued at club level with KVC Westerlo till 2019 September.

Successful Ex Footballers In Nigeria

After retirement, Emenike carved a career path in writing by becoming an author. 

His books have won several awards, which outline the talent of the super eagle international.

He also owns a very successful business blog known as the Entrepreneur Business Blog.

In 2019, he was named the blogger of the year by the Global excellence in marketing awards.

Emenike owns a construction enterprise that sells armored Turkey doors for luxury homes and has landed properties in Owerri and Lagos.

2. AUSTIN JAY JAY OKOCHA

A popular name with the national team, Okocha is one of the most talented players to have ever worn the Super Eagle’s shirt.

Successful Ex Footballers In Nigeria

The midfielder retired in 2008 from the Nigeria National team but continued playing at club level till 2012.

The AFCON Champion, after retirement, immediately delved into the sports business and established the Jay Jay Okocha soccer player’s management.

A great developer of football talents, as stated by Ronaldinho, Okocha has achieved immense success managing footballers.

Apart from his football managing venture, Okocha used to be the CEO of Club 10 in Victoria island Lagos, before Producer extraordinaire and CEO of Mavin Records, Don Jazzy, bought it for an undisclosed sum thus signaling new ownership and brand name: PoP night club.

The midfielder also owns Jay Jay table water.

He also has estate properties with several houses in Europe, Ogun state, and Abuja, while he and his wife also own a Bureau the Change business.

Okocha also makes money by being a brand ambassador to several companies worldwide, including Betking.

1. KANU NWANKWO

Kanu Nwankwo is one of the greatest footballers to have ever played for Nigeria and was the national team captain before his final retirement in June 2010.

Successful Ex Footballers In Nigeria

He had retired from club football earlier on, with his last season coming in 2006 for English side Portsmouth.

The former athlete had found ways to stay up and running by opening a 5-star hotel,Harldley suites in Victoria island Lagos, which received immense patronage to date.

He owns a bottled water company and he’s into real estate with several properties in London, Owerri, and Lagos.

With his successes in business, Kanu has found a way to give back to society with his charity organization, Kanu heart foundation.

Those are my top five MOST successful ex footballers in Nigeria. So now it’s your turn. Agree? Disagree? Have your say in the comment box.