Ben Iroha rejects NFF presidency, advises footballers on post-career planning
A delegation from FIFA and CAF visited Nigeria as the country seeks a way out of the crisis confronting football administration, marked by the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and the Super Falcons’ miss of next year’s Women’s World Cup in Brazil. In an interview with Premium Times, former Super Eagles defender Ben Iroha said he would not accept the Nigeria Football Federation presidency even if offered for free, citing personal limitations. Iroha contrasted his generation’s passion for the national team with today’s players, noting they played more for country than club, while acknowledging it’s just a generational difference. He advised current players to prepare for life after football by listening to financial advisers, making good investments, and investing in real estate, warning that the lavish lifestyle at the top can lead to bankruptcy if uncontrolled. Iroha shared that he planned his future before ending his career, moved to Dallas with his family immediately after retiring, had already bought a house, and now enjoys a successful life after football with his three children doing well. He also expressed appreciation for recent celebrations of the 1994 and 1996 Super Eagles generations, noting such recognition has been rare and helps ex-internationals feel valued.