Today, we want to take a look at Nigerian footballers who were millionaires before but are now struggling financially…

Wilson Oruma.

For six years, the former Super Eagles midfielder struggled with mental health issues after falling victim to a scam orchestrated by a Lagos-based pastor and fraudulent oil businessmen. The pastor told him about a business venture where he invested billions of naira into it, at the end the pastor ran away with the money and Oruma became broke as a result. Oruma who led Nigeria's Under-17 team to victory in the 1993 World Cup in Japan, enjoyed a successful career playing for RC Lens, Sochaux, Marseille, as well as clubs in Switzerland and Kavala FC in Greece, amassing considerable wealth from football. Despite his talents, Oruma often played in the shadow of Austin Jay Jay Okocha in the Super Eagles, only being called upon when Okocha was unavailable due to injury or ineligibility. Oruma is said to have incurred losses of approximately 2 billion naira after falling victim to a pastor's deception while attempting to venture into the oil and gas industry. The ordeal in 2018 led to Oruma experiencing emotional distress, ultimately leaving him financially depleted.

Celestine Babayaro

Undoubtedly the epitome of cultured talent among Super Eagles left-backs, Babayaro made his mark representing Nigeria in age categories and notably in the 1996 Olympics, where the Super Eagles claimed victory. His journey transcended borders as he graced the rosters of esteemed clubs in England and Belgium.


During a pinnacle in his career, Babayaro commanded one of the highest salaries for an African player globally, earning a substantial £25,000 to $30,000 per week at Chelsea FC in England. However, the narrative took a drastic turn when he faced financial turmoil, culminating in bankruptcy proceedings in a Croydon court in 2010, followed by official confirmation of his insolvency in 2011, amidst claims by creditors.


Reports unveiled glimpses of Babayaro's lavish lifestyle both in Nigeria and England, characterized by extravagant purchases and lively social engagements. Neighbors observed a stark contrast as his once impeccably maintained residence fell into disarray, with overgrown gardens and dilapidated structures painting a portrait of financial distress.

Ifanyi Udeze

Udeze, once a dynamic left-back for the Super Eagles, emerged as a pivotal figure in the national squad from 2000 to 2004, following his success with the Golden Eaglets. However, his fortunes took a sharp downturn thereafter. Sources close to him reveal that Udeze finds himself deeply entrenched in debt, having squandered the substantial wealth he accumulated during his playing career on high-stakes gambling and extravagant living.


During his active years, Udeze represented clubs such as AEK Athens, PAOK FC, and West Brom. Additionally, reports suggest he developed a penchant for locally distilled gin and engaged in street gambling with less savoury characters in his native neighbourhood of Ajegunle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVDBzDpRYVM&ab_channel=GistArena

Financial Intelligence is better than high football IQ. Unfortunately these players have none of the above.

Are you their bank account manager?

Lolz, ifeanyi udeze is working with brila fm. Please do your findings well

bobbybrown007:
Lolz, ifeanyi udeze is working with brila fm. Please do your findings well

Yes he was employed by the help of an ex teammate when the information first broke out about 2 years ago or so