The hospitality industry appears to be the next career stop for Nigeria football icons after hanging their boots.
With an attractive market backed by the lucrative profit opportunities that abound, the hospitality industry continues to attract former players for investment.
Afrosport compiles a list of former Nigerian players that are into the hotel management business in Nigeria.
Emmanuel Emenike – EE 29 Hotel and Suites
In the capital city of Imo State, former Nigeria and Fenerbahce striker Emmanuel Emenike has his luxury hotel situated in Owerri.
The 35-year-old named the architectural edifice with his initial [EE] and the jersey number 29 he wore during his stint in the Turkish Super Lig. Emenike was part of the victorious Super Eagles squad that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.
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Vincent Enyeama – Vinpy Hotels
Vincent Enyeama is another former Nigeria international who has invested his money in the hospitality industry. Vinpy Hotels is situated in Akwa Ibom’s capital city of Uyo and it boasts of state-of-arts facilities and relaxation spots.
Enyeama is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in Nigeria and among his peers across Africa.
He made 101 international appearances for the Super Eagles and he was a former captain of the national team from 2013 and 2015.
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Uche Agbo – Hotel de los Reyes
The former Watford and Deportivo La Coruna opened the hotel situated inside Oko Quarters in Benin City, Edo State in March 2020 and it is rated as a 3-star hotel.
Agbo made his first and only debut appearance for the Super Eagles in an international friendly match against Togo in June 2017.
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Nwankwo Kanu – Hardley Apartments and Suites
Former Arsenal and Ajax forward Kanu is one of the owners of Hardley Apartment and Suites which is located in the affluent area of Victoria Island in Lagos State.
A few years ago, the hotel was seized by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) over unpaid debts but the court cases surrounding the facility is unknown at the moment.
Two-time African Footballer of the Year, Kanu won the FIFA U-17 World Cup with Nigeria in 1993 and he followed it up with an Olympic gold medal with Nigeria U23 in 1996 and he featured in the 1998 and 2002 editions of the FIFA World Cup.
THE PLACE TO BE ANY DAY ,ANY TIME IS HARDLEY APARTMENTS(OWNED BY PAPILO-NWANKWO KANU)LETS SPOIL YOU THE MORE- pic.twitter.com/u9ENYglA9s
— Pastor Godwin Njoku (@Pastor_Azubuike) November 10, 2013
