Odemwingie Supports Former Super Eagles Star With Gift After He Resigned From ₦75k Job

• Osaze Odemwingie has reached out to his former international teammate and ex-goalkeeper Ambruse Vanzekin
• The pair were members of the Nigerian Dream Team that won silver at the football event in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing
• Vanzekin, who has struggled since retiring from professional football in 2015, recently resigned from his role at NPFL club Bendel Insurance

Former Super Eagles star Osaze Odemwingie has reached out to support his old teammate Ambruse Vanzekin, who resigned from his job at Bendel Insurance.

Vanzekin, a silver medalist with Nigeria’s Dream Team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, shared a touching video on social media, expressing gratitude for a generous gift from his former teammate.

The former goalkeeper was full of praise, saying the young players at the academy are grateful for the donation.

Vanzekin said in a viral video on TikTok:

"I want to appreciate you for the gift you sent to me, to my academy. I received it with pleasure.

"The boys at the academy also asked me to say thank you. Big shout out to you, Osaze Odemwingie.

"Thank you for remembering your friend Ambrose Vanzekin. Even the community appreciates the gift, and the boys can’t wait to see you."

Osaze's gesture came at a time when Vanzekin is facing challenges since retiring from professional football in 2015.

In 2024, the 38-year-old made headlines when he publicly shared his struggles as a goalkeeper trainer for the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) club Bendel Insurance where he was paid a meagre ₦75,000 monthly.

Vanzekin had a remarkable career, representing Nigeria at the 2003 U-17 World Championship, the 2005 U-20 World Youth Championship, and the 2008 Olympics.

He stated that the salary was barely enough to cover transportation costs, forcing him to borrow money and trek long distances to attend training sessions.

"I used to spend ₦2,000 every day on transport. I don’t even know how my family eats. They just beg around so we can survive."

Nigeria win silver at 2018 Olympics

Vanzekin’s journey at the Olympics remains a proud chapter in his life.

In 2008, he stood between the posts for Nigeria’s U-23 team, which came agonisingly close to gold, only to fall 1-0 to a Lionel Messi-led Argentina in the final, per Hindus Times.

Angel Di Maria’s 58th-minute chip sealed the fate for the African team, who returned home with pride.

Alongside teammates like Peter Odemwingie, Mikel Obi, and Efe Ambrose, Vanzekin’s heroics helped secure silver, a moment etched in Nigerian football history.

Richest Nigerian players in 2015

Legit.ng earlier reported that Nigerian stars dominated the headlines, for their talents and impressive earnings.

Players like John Obi-Mikel, Ahmed Musa, Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, and Celestine Babayaro are some of the wealthiest Nigerian footballers past and present.

Some have maintained their fortune through smart investments and continued relevance in football, while others have transitioned into retirement or new ventures.

Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng