Alex Iwobi: How Super Eagles star rejected MILLIONS in boot sponsorship deal
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Alex Iwobi: How Super Eagles star rejected MILLIONS in boot sponsorship deal | Credit: Instagram

Alex Iwobi: How Super Eagles star rejected MILLIONS in boot sponsorship deal

David Ben 10:21 - 24.03.2024

The Fulham midfielder has decided against inking sponsorship deals with sportswear brands.

Super Eagles of Nigeria star Alex Iwobi has opened up on his descison to refuse lucrative sponsorship deals from global sportswear giants.

Pulse Sports reports that 27-year-old Fulham midfielder recently revealed his stance his official Snapchat, citing his love for simplicity and the freedom to wear any sports brand and clothing of his choice as reasons for rejecting sponsorship offers.

Alex Iwobi Super Eagles
Alex Iwobi is one of the Super Eagles star with the most endorsement deals |IMAGO

In a conversation sparked by a fan's inquiry about his preference for black boots, Iwobi emphasized his affection for simplicity, stating,

"I've Always Loved Black Boots, Simplicity... Also I Like Having The Freedom Of Wearing Any Sports Brand & Clothes I Like, Hence Why I'm Sticking To No Sponsorship Or Any Deals."

Alex Iwobi Super Eagles
Alex Iwobi | via Snapchat
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Nigeria's football landscape is rich with talent, as showcased by the top 15 most valuable Nigerian players in 2022. From established stars like Victor Osimhen and Alex Iwobi to emerging talents like Gift Orban and Akor Adams, these players exemplify the skill and potential that Nigerian football brings to the global stage.

Rejecting Millions: Alex Iwobi's bold stand against sponsorship deals with sportswear brands

Alex Iwobi Super Eagles
Alex Iwobi of Fulham | Credit: X

In October 2020, the football world took notice when Nike released a special pair of blackout Nike Mercurial boots for Man United's Marcus Rashford, commemorating Black History Month.

Following Rashford's lead, other players, including Michy Batshuayi and Anthony Martial, made statements by wearing blackout boots emblazoned with messages such as "Black Lives Matter" and "No Racism."

Iwobi joined this movement when, during a match for Everton against Fulham, he sported the same pair of blackout Nike Mercurial Vapor XIII soccer boots customized with “EndPoliceBrutality” in support of the famous #EndSARS protest that rocked Nigeria that same year.

Alex Iwobi boots
Alex Iwobi shows off his customized Nike Mercurial black boots | Credit: Instagram
Alex Iwobi boots
Alex Iwobi’s customized Nike Mercurial black boots | Credit: Instagram

Iwobi's principled stance of saying no to boot deals contrasts sharply with the typical trajectory of professional athletes, who often sign lucrative sponsorship deals with leading sportswear brands like Nike, Adidas, and Puma.

Alex Iwobi Super Eagles
Alex Iwobi celebrates his winning goal against Manchester United | Imago

Such deals can amount to staggering sums, ranging from ₦ 75 million to ₦ 150 million ($50,000 to $100,000) and even beyond, as companies vie for the endorsement of high-profile athletes.

Despite forgoing these substantial financial opportunities, Iwobi's marketability remains undiminished.

Regardless, Pulse Sports reports that Alex Iwobi is one of the most marketable Nigerian athletes in the world and also boasts a number of significant endorsement and sponsorship deals outside sports.

Iwobi recently returns to action for the Super Eagles, assisting Ademola Lookman goal in Nigeria’s 2-1 win against the Black Stars of Ghana during an international friendly on Friday, March 22.

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