For many Nigerians on the streets nursing hopes of a professional football career, any form of formal education, especially higher education, is a major tradeoff for the path they have chosen.
Many young Nigerian players leave school in pursuit of careers that can begin in their teenage years, yet a growing number of current and former Super Eagles stars have been able to earn an academic degree. Some pursued university degrees while playing professionally, while others returned to school after retirement to prepare for life beyond the game.
Following Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen’s recent revelation that he intends to return to school after retirement, here is a least of former and current Nigerian national team players who have earned a university degree.
Justice Adokiye Amiesimaka: Footballer Turned Lawyer
Justice Adokiye Amiesimaka was a member of Nigeria’s victorious 1980 Africa Cup of Nations squad. After attending CMS Grammar School, Lagos, Amiesimaka studied Law at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) before qualifying as a legal practitioner.
Following his football career, he served as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Rivers State, combining sports, law and public service.
Seyi Olofinjana: Engineer Who Balanced Football and Academia
Former Super Eagles midfielder Seyi Olofinjana remains one of Nigeria’s most academically accomplished footballers.
Born in Lagos, Olofinjana earned a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Ladoke Akintola University before establishing himself in Europe, where he went on to play for Norwegian club Brann and later English sides Wolverhampton Wanderers, Stoke City, Hull City and Cardiff City.
During his playing career, he also completed two Master’s degrees.
Following retirement in 2015, Olofinjana transitioned into football administration, serving in talent development roles at Wolverhampton Wanderers. He later became Sporting Director of FC Grasshoppers in Zurich, and was only recently was appointed Head of Scouting in charge of Africa at Chelsea FC.
Sone Aluko
The striker earned a degree in Business Management from the University of Birmingham after enrolling through a flexible learning programme during his professional career. He has spoken extensively about preparing for life after football.
Wilfred Ndidi: Business and Management Graduate
Former Leicester City midfielder and current Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi became one of the few active Nigerian internationals to complete a university degree while competing in one of the world’s most demanding football leagues.
Ndidi graduated with a degree in Business and Management from De Montfort University, Leicester, in 2023 after combining his studies with Premier League football. He frequently spoke about studying during team travels and between training sessions, describing education as preparation for life after football.
Sunday Oliseh: From Midfield General to University Graduate
Former Nigeria captain Sunday Oliseh added academic credentials to an already distinguished football career that saw him play for Ajax, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund.
Oliseh earned a Bachelor’s degree in Physical and Health Education from Lagos State University (LASU), he later complemented the degree with UEFA Pro coaching licences and several elite coaching certifications after retirement.
Taiwo Awoniyi
Taiwo Awoniyi earned a degree in Business Management from Buckinghamshire New University in 2022 shortly after joining Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
William Troost-Ekong: Business Graduate and Super Eagles Captain
Super Eagles defender William Troost-Ekong also pursued higher education alongside football. Born in the Netherlands, Troost-Ekong obtained a degree in Business Administration while developing his football career in Europe.
The defender has often spoken about leadership, entrepreneurship and planning beyond football.
Segun Odegbami: ‘Mathematical’ and the Engineering Connection
Nigerian football legend Segun Odegbami, popularly known as “Mathematical,” studied Engineering at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, a background that contributed to his famous nickname because of his analytical style of play.
While he did not complete a conventional university degree, his formal engineering education shaped his post-football career as a businessman, sports administrator and founder of the International Sports Academy.
Patrick Ekeji: Academic Who Became Sports Administrator
Former Green Eagles player Patrick Ekeji earned a degree in Physical Education from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) before moving into sports administration.
His educational background later paved the way for appointments including Director-General of the National Sports Commission, making him one of Nigeria’s most accomplished athlete-administrators. The exact graduation year is not readily available in public records.
Taiwo Ogunjobi: American-Educated Football Administrator
Late football administrator Taiwo Ogunjobi earned a degree in Textile Technology from Clemson University, South Carolina, United States, before becoming one of Nigeria’s most influential football administrators.
Following his playing career, Ogunjobi served as Secretary-General of the Nigeria Football Association and later held several senior football administration positions.
New Generation Is Changing the Narrative
The emergence of players such as Wilfred Ndidi and now Osimhen’s plans reflects a changing mindset within Nigerian football. With footballing careers increasingly vulnerable to injuries, competition and early retirement, more players are embracing flexible learning, online degree programmes and executive education.
