Nigerian football legend John Fashanu has publicly apologised to his daughter, Amal, after admitting he was misinformed about claims made against her. In a dramatic turn of events, Fashanu also disclosed that he plans to divorce his wife, Vivian, whom he blames for providing the inaccurate information that led to his earlier reaction.
Fashanu's Apology and Announcement
In a video shared on his Instagram page, Fashanu sought to set the record straight and apologise to his daughter. He revealed that he now understands the information he received about Amal was inaccurate and has vowed to take legal action against those responsible.
“The video I previously did was wrong. I was misinformed by my wife Vivian who I’m sorry to say, I am divorcing her. Now that I am aware of the truth, I apologise to my daughter, Amal and legal actions would be taken against the liar,” Fashanu stated in the video.
Fashanu's Relationship with Amal
In the caption accompanying the video, Fashanu explained that he made the statement to correct the record. He said he had personally brought Amal into his business because of the close relationship they shared, stressing that she remained an important part of his life.
“The truth is, Amal and I have a wonderful relationship. She will always be my first daughter, and she will always have a place by my side, helping me with my affairs. I couldn't be prouder of the intelligent, strong and compassionate woman she has become,” he wrote.
“What makes me even prouder is that she never chose to retaliate. As she always says, ‘Two wrongs don't make a right.’ Those words have stayed with me, and they say everything about the kind of person she is.”
Background of the Dispute
The latest development comes months after a public disagreement between Fashanu and Amal over claims about the former footballer's health. In May 2026, Amal spoke about her father in an interview with the Daily Mail ahead of her wedding to Ghanaian businessman and billionaire heir Mohamed Odaymat. She said she had reconciled with Fashanu shortly before the wedding and expressed concern about his health.
Amal claimed her father had been affected by a mystery condition that she believed could be linked to the repeated heading of footballs during his professional career. She also suggested that she had been involved in helping with some of his affairs.
Fashanu's Earlier Response
Fashanu later rejected the claims and insisted that he was in good health. He also denied that Amal managed his personal or professional affairs, saying she had only recently visited him in Nigeria. Amal subsequently married Odaymat in a private ceremony in May 2026. She shared photographs and videos from the wedding on Instagram and described her husband as the person who brought peace and certainty into her life.
Impact and Legal Action
Fashanu's latest statement marks a sharp shift from his earlier public response to the health claims, as he now apologises to Amal and speaks openly about his decision to end his marriage to Vivian. The football legend has vowed to take legal action against those who spread misinformation, indicating that the dispute may have further legal ramifications.
This public family drama has captured the attention of fans and media, highlighting the complexities of personal relationships in the public eye. As Fashanu moves forward with his divorce and legal plans, the focus remains on his relationship with his daughter and the consequences of the misinformation.
