Super Eagles technical adviser, Gernot Rohr has declared that Nigeria’s footballers should learn how to spend their earnings wisely, instead of indulging in lavish purchases and any flashy displays that amount to luxury.
Rohr stated as much while making a presentation at the investment seminar organised by Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in Abuja, during which he also advised the players in the national team to consult experts on proper strategies of saving for the future.
The 64-year-old Franco-German tactician also pointed out that he had no opportunity for such a lofty wealth investment lecture during his active days as a footballer.
He also advised Eagles players to take serious the lessons from the programme, which the NFF said was specially organized for them.
Rohr stated: “I played for 17 years. I wish I got this kind of guidance and advice when I was still playing.
“In life, things do change and sometimes, the changes are not what we planned or prepared for.
“I pray for all these players to have long, injury –free careers but even then, you can only play for an average of 17 years.”
Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi added: “Since I started playing for Nigeria, this is the first time I am witnessing this kind of seminar. I appeal to all my colleagues to take serious the lessons from this programme.
“We must plan for the days that our bodies will no longer be able to withstand the kind of rigours they go through now. I have learnt a lot from here that I will personally apply it to my life.”
On his part, NFF president, Melvin Amaju Pinnick stressed that wise financial decisions and sensible investment moves create sustainable wealth that would spare footballers any regret in the future.
Pinnickj said: “We put together this seminar knowing that it would be of immense benefit to all members of this team.
“Our care for you should not end on the field of play. We are family and must have one another’s back always.
“Please take away good lessons from here so that tomorrow, you would not become liability to anyone or the society.
“You players have all definitely been making some good money in your various Clubs, and will also be making money during this World Cup.
“It is not the money that you have that is the wealth; it is how you invest the monies and manage your portfolio to continue to create wealth for you.
“I know a number of sportsmen, who made more than yourselves during their career and then fell on bad times after retirement.”
