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Former Nigerian football star, Daniel Amokachi, delivered a compelling message to young athletes at the CAF Kick and Learn programme, urging them to prioritize education alongside their football aspirations.
Reflecting on his personal experience, Amokachi emphasized the importance of having a backup plan beyond the limited years of a professional football career.
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He shared that he played his last professional match at the age of 27, and had it not been for his education, he could have faced significant challenges.
Amokachi underscored the diverse career opportunities that education opened for him, citing examples such as working with FIFA and CAF, engaging in media and broadcasting, and illustrating the value that education provides.
Amokachi’s message aligns with a growing trend among African football stars who are increasingly recognizing the significance of education.
The CAF Kick and Learn program, hosted at Lycée Classique de Cocody in Abidjan, featured other legendary figures like Salomon Kalou, further highlighting this shift.
The message is particularly relevant as the era of players being exploited by agents due to a lack of education is fading away.
Recent examples include former goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama receiving an honorary doctorate and many active players pursuing academic degrees.
Amokachi joins the ranks of past generations of Nigerian footballers, including Segun Odegbami, Judge Adokiye Amiesimaka, Sunday Oliseh, and Seyi Olofinjana, who placed significant value on education.
In contemporary times, current players like Wilfred Ndidi, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Kelechi Iheanacho are also embracing a more well-rounded approach to their football careers by prioritizing education.
