It’s rapidly becoming a trend for footballers to take up movie roles during or after their playing careers.
This adventure has been a huge success for many – with the likes of David Beckham, Eric Cantona and Cristiano Ronaldo swapping the pitch for acting.
Acting has been a fairly positive venture for some Nigerian footballers too. Here are five who did pretty well outside their niche.
- Emmanuel Babayaro
Former Dream Team goalkeeper, Emmanuel Babayaro, tops the list of Nigerian footballers to have tried their hands on acting. The 39-year-old Atlanta 1996 gold medallist has produced and starred in numerous movies including Growing Up, Taking Chances, You Are My Sunshine and Fantastic Fanatics.
- John Utaka
Former Super Eagles winger, John Utaka, made his debut in 2013 in a movie titled Battered alongside multi-award winning actress, Fatima Jabbe. Utaka, 36, currently plays for Ismaily of Egypt after a successful career in Europe and 12 years with the Eagles.
- Osaze Odemwingie
Osaze Odemwingie made a cameo appearance in one of Babayaro’s movie, Growing Up, in 2005. And ever since, the former Super Eagles striker opted to concentrate on his football career which saw him make 63 appearances for the Super Eagles as well as kitting for several top European sides including West Brom, Cardiff and Stoke City.
- Ogenyi Onazi
For Ogenyi Onazi, all that matters is the humorous side of life. The midfielder is famous for his rib cracking viral skits especially while in the Super Eagles camp. He once imitated a bus conductor trying to persuade passengers into his sleek car and even started a tomato business considering its scarce nature in Nigeria.
- Obafemi Martins
Just like Odemwingie, Obafemi Martins also featured in Growing Up which also had the likes of Chioma Chukwuka, Basorge Tariah and Yemi Blaq. Martins who now plays for Chinese side, Shanghai Shenhua, has since not played any movie roles but is constantly involved with top entertainers in the country.
