Five Nigerian players who went broke after making millions

In bygone years, sports were predominantly seen as a source of leisure and enjoyment. However, in contemporary times, it has evolved into one of the most lucrative industries globally, transforming athletes into millionaires across various sporting disciplines.

Renowned Portuguese football star, Cristiano Ronaldo, currently holds the title of the world's highest-paid footballer. This status was solidified by his transfer to Saudi-based Al Nassr, following a falling-out with Manchester United. Ronaldo earns an astonishing $214 million per year.

While football stands out as one of the most financially rewarding professions, a disheartening trend reveals that some players struggle to manage the vast fortunes amassed during their careers. Despite the substantial earnings from the beautiful game, many athletes find themselves grappling with financial difficulties post-retirement, leading to a life of unexpected poverty.

In this exposé, we turn our attention to several Nigerian footballers who, despite earning millions from their illustrious careers, faced financial challenges that left them in dire straits after stepping away from the pitch."

5. Wilson Oruma

The former midfielder played for the Super Eagles for six years. He also captained the Nigeria U-17 team to win the 1993 FIFA World Cup in Japan.

Among the clubs he played for in Europe were RC Lens, Sochaux, and Marseille all in the French league.

He made millions from football and was regarded as one of the richest Nigerian footballers during his heydays.

Sadly, he was reportedly diagnosed with a mental disorder after he was heavily defrauded by a Lagos-based pastor and some fake oil businessmen.

He is said to have gained mental stability but is battling to overcome the financial challenges that befell him post-retirement.

4. Femi Opabunmi

The ex-Nigerian left winger made his debut for the Super Eagles in 2002 scoring the second goal in Nigeria's 3-0 win over Kenya.

He also featured at the 2002 FIFA World Cup where he played against the Three Lions of England in the Super Eagles' last group-stage match.

According to unconfirmed reports, the former Shooting Stars player suddenly lost his sight during training with a French second-division side.

After two unsuccessful surgeries, he returned to Nigeria to find a cure for his partial blindness.

He was also reportedly duped by a Nigerian pastor who had promised to help him regain his sight.

3. Ifeanyi Udeze

The former Super Eagles left-back was a key member of the national team from 2000-2004.

He played for West Brom and PAOK in Greece during his active days.

Things took a twist for the worse for the former defender as sources close to him revealed that he is neck-deep in debt after squandering the fortune he gained during his playing days on gambling and other luxurious and extravagant living.

2. Mo Yusuf

The former Enyimba defender was regarded as one of the best centre-backs in the game.

He enjoyed much of his playing time with the Super Eagles when the late Stephen Keshi was at the helm.

He suffered a serious injury at the 2010 Nations Cup and is said to be rehabilitating since then.

There are unconfirmed reports that Mo Yusuf is currently based in Kano and is very broke after being abandoned by the football authorities.

1. Taribo West

He is arguably the most successful Nigerian defender in history. West was also regarded as one of the best defenders in Europe during his peak period.

He was a key member of the Inter Milan team between 1997 and 1999. He was also a key figure in Nigeria's Dream Team that won the Olympics in 1996.

Despite featuring for top European clubs including AC Milan, West is said to be in a deep financial crisis due to bad investments.

These days he works as a full-time pastor in Lagos.