Super Eagles midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi, has advised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to make upcoming players take to education as a top priority while actively playing the game.

 

Ndidi studied Business and Management at De Montfort University (DMU) , in Leicester City, England.

 

Speaking on Futbol Picante, a sports program on FOX sports, the Nigeria international advised young players to take education more seriously, because it is the best legacy they can fall back on after retiring from the game.

 

“The football life span of a player is very short.  When you’re playing, you should always think of life after football, Ndidi said.

 

“Soccer Academies, football clubs, and especially the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), should encourage young talents to go to school. This will go a long way in helping them pick up another career in case of injury or sickness.”

 

The former Genk FC of Belgium player also said that young players should keep believing in themselves because that is the only way they can achieve their career goals, adding that, they should erase “impossible” from their dictionary.

 

“It was very difficult growing up as a player in Africa because there were many good players, but with hard work and dedication, I was able to achieve my goals,” Ndidi added.

 

Seyi Olofinjana, Adokiye Amasiemaka, Kenneth Boardman, Paul Okoku, Felix Owolabi, Segun Odegbami, Emmanuel Benson (Nasarawa United, Fredrick Oromate (River United) , Ikechukwu Ibenegbu (Eyimba), Davidson Owumi, and Emeka Ogbuga ( Mouldia FC Morocco)  are some educated Nigerian players.

 

Internationally, Sócrates Brasileiro Sampaio de Souza Vieira de Oliveira, simply known as Sócrates, completed his doctorate degree while actively playing football. He practiced as a medical doctor following his retirement from the game.

 

Other well educated international footballers include; Giorgio Chiellini, Vincent Kompany, Duncan Watmore, Frank Lampard, Yuto Nagatomo, Andres Iniesta, Juan Mata, Simon Mignolet, Romelu Lukaku, and Fikayo Tomori.