A Nigerian football coach has sparked significant discussion online after deciding to sell a pair of boots personally gifted to him by Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen. The sale, which occurred just weeks before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), highlights the intersection of sports memorabilia and personal finance.
Financial Motive Behind the Sale
The coach in question is Olisa Ezeasor, an assistant coach with Solution FC based in Anambra State. Ezeasor listed the boots for sale at a price of N1 million on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). He explained that the decision was driven by a need to raise capital for his personal business.
In his post, Ezeasor detailed his business journey, stating he had taken a N300,000 loan from a relative to start the venture. Within four months, he claimed the business had grown in value to N900,000, and he had already repaid the initial loan. His goal in selling the boots was to secure a larger loan of up to N10 million to expand his operations further.
Origin of the Priceless Gift
The boots were originally given to Coach Ezeasor by Victor Osimhen during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The match took place in October, where Osimhen scored a hat-trick in Nigeria's 4-0 victory over the Cheetahs of Benin Republic. After scoring his 29th international goal, the Galatasaray forward located Ezeasor, who had hailed him, and presented him with the boots as a gesture of appreciation.
Mixed Reactions from Football Fans
The coach's decision to sell the gift elicited strong and varied reactions from Nigerian football fans on social media. Some users criticized the move, suggesting it could discourage players like Osimhen from giving away personal items in the future.
One user, @Stecojnr, commented, "Victor won't be happy you sold a gift he gave you... If you don't want it give it to someone else." Others saw a business opportunity, advising Ezeasor to target Galatasaray fans who might pay a premium, with @your_Favxparte noting, "Galatasaray fans will pay up to x5 for it." Another perspective came from @Leodeck__, who suggested keeping the boots as valuable content material for long-term gain.
Boots Sold to Sporting Lagos Board Member
Following the online auction, the boots were successfully sold. The buyer was revealed to be Fola Olatunji-David, a board member of the Nigerian Premier Football League side, Sporting Lagos. The final sale price was not disclosed to the public.
In a subsequent post, Coach Ezeasor announced the sale and, in a gesture of gratitude, pledged to conduct a N250,000 giveaway for his active followers on the platform. This move was seen as an attempt to give back to the community that engaged with his story.
Osimhen's Focus Shifts to AFCON 2025
As this off-field drama unfolds, Victor Osimhen's primary attention is firmly on the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which is scheduled to begin on December 21, 2025. Osimhen is expected to lead the Super Eagles' attack as they aim to go one better than their second-place finish in the last edition of the tournament.
This incident follows recent news of Osimhen's philanthropic side, where he reportedly donated N5 million to a social media influencer, Aunty Esther, who is battling breast cancer. This act of generosity brought total donations for her cause to over N23 million.
The sale of the boots underscores the tangible value of sports memorabilia in Nigeria and the difficult financial choices individuals sometimes face, even when in possession of items with great sentimental and potential monetary worth.
