Former Super Eagles legend Daniel Amokachi, famously known as “The Bull,” has shared the intriguing story behind his ownership and eventual sale of a private jet, a rare achievement for a Nigerian footballer in the 1990s. Amokachi, who played for top clubs like Besiktas and Everton, became the first Nigerian footballer to own a private jet during the peak of his career.
The journey to acquiring the jet began while Amokachi was playing for Besiktas in Turkey. During a critical period, he was in Nigeria visiting his sick mother when his club urgently needed him back in Istanbul for a crucial match. The club’s president arranged for a private jet to fly him from Kaduna to Istanbul, ensuring he could participate in the game, which Besiktas ultimately won. Overjoyed by Amokachi’s contribution to the victory, the president offered him an opportunity to own a private jet. After discussions with an American airline, Amokachi agreed to purchase the aircraft, covering part of the cost and setting up regular payments.
Owning the jet symbolized his success and status as one of Africa’s top footballers at the time. However, maintaining such an asset proved challenging. The costs associated with parking fees, maintenance, clearance charges, and operational expenses quickly became overwhelming after his playing days ended. By 2000/2001, following his retirement from professional football due to persistent knee injuries, Amokachi decided to sell the jet to avoid further financial strain.
Reflecting on the decision, Amokachi remarked that while owning a jet was a remarkable milestone, it was not sustainable without a steady income from football contracts. He stated, “To take care of it is money; you pay parking fees, maintenance fees, clearance fees—it’s not easy.”
Amokachi’s story underscores the financial realities faced by athletes after retirement and serves as a lesson in managing wealth during and beyond their playing careers. Despite selling the jet, Amokachi remains an iconic figure in Nigerian football history, celebrated for his contributions on and off the pitch. Today, he focuses on mentoring young athletes as Nigeria’s football ambassador and supporting community development initiatives through his foundation in Kaduna.
