In a recent podcast episode of ‘Vibe With 5,’ former Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi, revealed a distressing situation where his family resorted to blackmail when he considered halting financial support.
“Because anything I was getting, I was giving so much to the family. They got so comfortable that they were expecting you to do that, and I got to that point five years ago where I had to say guys, I don’t care what you say.
“If you don’t do it, we are going to go to the press, you are thinking, your brother, your family after all I have done for you guys. It happens a lot,” the 35-year-old said while explaining how he was able to manage his finances with the help of his agent.
Mikel further delved into the financial challenges faced by African footballers, highlighting the cultural pressures to support extended family.
“When you come from Africa and make money, it is not just your money. You have all these relatives, cousins and a lot of them. Then your sisters get married to some guy who just wants to get married to John Obi Mikel’s family because my life is sorted. You start looking after the guy. You send money to your sister, but the money goes to him. And he does whatever he does with it,” Obi said.
“When you get the money, after you’ve shared it, you’re left with little remaining. And they keep having so many kids, and you’re asking who is going to take care of them, but they are looking up to you to look after them. You are looking after the kids, the husband and the husband’s family, and it becomes absolutely crazy. For them, you owe them that. It is the culture you owe them that and you stop to think, I don’t owe you anything,” he said.
Similarly, Emmanuel Adebayor, formerly of Arsenal and Manchester City, shared his own struggles, including contemplating suicide due to family demands.
“I felt like killing myself so many times. I kept this to myself for years and years.
“My football career will be finished in three or four years. By contrast, my family name will remain with me – together with these people,” he said in an interview with So Foot 6 years ago
These candid accounts from Mikel Obi and Adebayor shed light on the intricate challenges faced by African football stars in managing family pressures and financial responsibilities.
| Sahara Reporters
