Former Super Eagles defender Ben Iroha has urged Nigerian footballers to make proper financial preparations before bringing their playing careers to an end, stressing the importance of investments and responsible spending, Footynaija.com reports.
The former Nigeria international enjoyed a successful career that saw him represent the country at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups, while also featuring for clubs in Europe and the United States.
Iroha, who eventually settled in Texas after his playing days, revealed that he had already taken steps to secure his future before retiring from professional football.
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Speaking to Premium Times, the former defender explained that he purchased a house in Dallas before moving to the United States with his family immediately after ending his career.
“Honestly, life after football has been amazing. I am not trying to boost myself, but I planned my future before the end of my career. I knew I was going to live in Texas,” Iroha said.
“The last time I was here, I stayed in Dallas because I was visiting my brother. Immediately after I quit football, I moved to Dallas with my family. I had already bought a house before I retired.”
Reflecting on the financial challenges that players could face after football, Iroha emphasized the need for current professionals to understand that their lifestyles and income can change once they stop playing.
“But some of them don’t understand that the life you are living while you are playing is different from the life you will live when you retire. The money is going to go,” he explained.
The former Super Eagles star also advised players to seek professional guidance and invest wisely, particularly in real estate, to protect themselves from financial difficulties later in life.
“When you are at the top level, the kind of life you live can be expensive. If you don’t control it, you can become bankrupt.
“So you have to listen to financial advisers, make good investments and invest in real estate and other things. That will help you when you retire.”
Iroha’s advice comes from his own experience of preparing for life beyond football, having gone on to establish a life and business career in Dallas after hanging up his boots.
