Some sports enthusiasts have highlighted the challenges children of former footballers face in trying to build successful careers in the sport, citing issues such as talent, expectations, and external pressure.
In separate interviews with newsmen, they explained that while some children of ex-footballers attempt to follow in their parents’ footsteps, many struggle to replicate their success.
Former international footballer Azuka Izu pointed out that talent plays a crucial role, which is not always inherited.
“Many footballers are naturally gifted, and that level of talent cannot always be passed down,” Izu said. “Some children of ex-footballers lack the technical ability needed to thrive, making it difficult to sustain a career in professional football.”
He also noted that a lack of personal interest in football can be a major obstacle, as some children of former stars pursue different careers based on their academic strengths.
Football fan Monday Iremi added that the weight of expectations can make it difficult for them to establish their own identity.
“The pressure to live up to their parents’ legacies can be overwhelming,” Iremi said. “They face constant comparisons and criticism, which can affect their confidence and career progression.”
He also pointed out that financial stability in footballing families could reduce the motivation to pursue the sport professionally.
“A child who grows up in a financially secure home may not feel the same drive to succeed in football as their parent once did,” he added.
Basketball fan Andrew Uguru echoed these sentiments, stressing that public scrutiny often works against young players.
“Every move they make is judged against their parents’ performances,” Uguru said. “It’s unfair to expect them to replicate or surpass their fathers’ success—they deserve the opportunity to create their own legacies.”
