The sport of football has won the hearts of millions of people all across the world. Football is more than simply a sport in Nigeria; it is a way of life. Several footballers from Nigeria have gone on to have successful careers and are now regarded as legends in the sport. Some people, though, have discovered a calling in the ministry after giving up football. Here are four former football players from Nigeria who later became pastors.
1. Taribo West
Former central defender Taribo West represented Nigeria in international football. Over his career, he played for a variety of teams, including Auxerre, Inter Milan, and AC Milan. Taribo West built a church in Lagos and transitioned into a pastor after leaving the football field. He is well-known for his passionate preaching and dedication to social justice causes.
2. Jonathan Akpoborie
Another former Nigerian international player who eventually entered the ministry is Jonathan Akpoborie. Throughout his playing career, Akpoborie was a striker, but he is best recognized for his time spent in Germany with VfB Stuttgart. He started the Jonny Akpoborie Football Academy in Warri, Nigeria, after quitting from football to become a preacher. The academy aims to cultivate young talent in the nation and aid in the realization of their footballing ambitions.
3. Fatai Atere
He was a former Nigerian football player who was born on August 1st, 1971, in Lagos.
He obtained a post as executive director of the EJJE Youth Soccer School in Tampa, Florida, after immigrating to the US in 1990. He is currently working for the House of God as a minister.
4. Idah Peterside
Idah Peterside is a Nigerian journalist, goalkeeper, television analyst, and pastor.
In 2002, he announced his retirement from the NFL. He is presently a football analyst for SuperSports while also serving as the pastor of Christ Ambassadors Church in Kempton Park, Johannesburg.