Five Former Super Eagles Players Who Became Pastors
While many retired footballers remain in the sport as coaches or pundits, or shift to business ventures or other interests like golf, some take surprising turns in their lives. Among the Super Eagles’ alumni, a few have ventured into pastoral work, dedicating themselves to preaching and ministry.
Taribo West
Known for his distinctive hairstyles during his football career, Taribo West made a significant impact over his 17 years in the sport. The 50-year-old defender played for prestigious European clubs such as Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Auxerre, and was a crucial member of Nigeria’s squad that won gold at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, as well as representing Nigeria in two World Cups and several Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
In 2014, West founded his church, Shelter in the Storm Miracle Ministries of All Nations, in Lagos. He revealed in a 2021 interview that his transition to ministry came after a profound spiritual experience. He described an encounter where he felt a divine call to shift from football to preaching, which included receiving prophecies about his future as a pastor.
Alloy Agu
A key player for Nigeria between 1988 and 1994, Alloy Agu was instrumental in their 1994 Africa Cup of Nations victory and their inaugural World Cup appearance that same year. His club career took him from NEPA and ACB Lagos to teams in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Turkey.
In a 2021 interview, Agu shared that he retired early from football due to a spiritual commitment he made with God. He now pastors at Christ Divine Church of God.
Peterside Idah
Former Nigerian goalkeeper Peterside Idah played for clubs such as Enyimba, Heartland, and BCC Lions before moving to South Africa to join Temba Classic and Moroka Swallows.
Idah’s faith journey began in 1996 while he was with Iwuanyanwu Nationale (now Heartland FC), and he attended Word of Faith Bible College that same year. Influenced by his parents, who were pastors, Idah had long been involved in church activities. He now serves as a pastor at Christ Ambassadors Church in Kempton Park, Johannesburg.
Chidi Nwanu
Chidi Nwanu’s club career, spanning over 15 years, saw him play for teams like ACB Football Club of Lagos, Westerlo, Beveren, and Anderlecht. He is particularly remembered for his role in Nigeria’s USA ’94 World Cup squad and the 1988 Olympic team.
Nwanu is now a pastor at the Prophetic and Deliverance Ministry in the United States.
Ikpe Ekong
Ikpe Ekong, a former midfielder who played for clubs across Europe and Africa from 1995 to 2016, shifted to pastoral work following his football career. Ekong reported having multiple spiritual encounters with Jesus, which led him to deepen his study and ministry work. He currently serves as a pastor at The Centre International Church City Church in Sweden, where he continues his global outreach and ministry.
