Former Nigerian U-17 World Cup champion, Kingsley Udoh shared an emotional account of his journey from celebrated national hero to facing profound personal and financial struggles.
Udoh, who earned fame as part of Nigeria’s 2007 U-17 World Cup-winning team under the late Coach Theophilus Tella, spoke candidly about the challenges that have followed his initial success in an interview on No Holds Barred on Brila FM.
Kingsley Udoh’ Journey
The Centre-defender promising career took a major hit due to contractual issues while signed with Atletico Madrid’s B team, where he was on the cusp of being promoted to the main squad.
However, a fallout between his manager and the club left him in a difficult position.
“I was ready to be promoted, but issues between my manager and the club disrupted everything, and I was forced to leave a promising future in Europe.”
This setback forced him to return to Nigeria, where he encountered a series of financial challenges in the Nigerian league, a reality that he says has become too common for local players.
Udoh’s struggles intensified after he returned to play in the Nigerian league, where unpaid salaries became a recurring issue.
“I am still owed over six million by Heartland,” Udoh disclosed, revealing the reality where Nigerian players often have to wait indefinitely for promised salaries.
“When I played for Kano Pillars, they didn’t pay me for three months. This is the norm for so many players here. They promise payment, but it doesn’t come.”
“Our league deserves better. Players need timely pay to support their families.”
Kingsley Udoh represented Nigeria in the U-20 national team in 2009, U-23 national team in 2011 and holds to his name a cap in the Nigeria National Senior Team, Super Eagles
He was also among the team that was won the 2007 U-17 African Cup of Nations held in Togo.
