Former Super Eagles striker Henry Onyekuru has ignited a heated online debate after making a high-profile return to his childhood neighbourhood in Surulere, Lagos, accompanied by a security detail reportedly comprising nine soldiers.
The 29-year-old forward, who currently plays for Turkish club Genclerbirligi, is back in Nigeria for the holidays following the 2025/26 season in the Turkish SuperLig. While many locals were thrilled to see one of their own return to the community where he first gained recognition, the manner of his arrival quickly became a major topic of discussion.
Lamborghini Urus and Military Escort Draw Attention
Onyekuru, a member of Nigeria's bronze medal-winning squad at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, was spotted arriving in Surulere driving his exotic Lamborghini Urus. However, it was not the luxury vehicle that captured most of the attention online. Videos circulating on social media appeared to show the former Galatasaray star accompanied by about nine soldiers as part of his security detail for a casual street football gathering.
The sight immediately triggered reactions from Nigerians, with many questioning why military personnel were being deployed to escort a footballer to a friendly neighbourhood game.
Social Media Reactions: Criticism and Defense
Several social media users expressed strong criticism. Machala commented: "Soldiers now dey guide civilian go play street football now while 45 school children are still inside the bush. No Wahala." Steph added: "Soldiers doing security detail for civilians when there's high level of insecurity in the country." Es also reacted: "How are private citizens walking around with soldiers who are meant to be securing the nation? Someone that just went to play football, carried soldiers."
Oni Olumuyiwa raised questions about the appropriateness of military escorts for private individuals: "Get private security, using the military for personal use in a country that literally at war with insurgents and bandits is totally absurd @HQNigerianArmy you people allow this from your officers??" King Lottume shared a similar view: "Is this what they've finally turned our Army into? This is totally unacceptable honestly."
However, not everyone condemned the security arrangement. Some fans argued that Onyekuru had every right to protect himself, especially in a crowded public environment. Derek posted: "Playing hood football is hella dangerous, one jealous person can just give him a career ending tackle and that's the end of Solomon Grundy." Arch Seven also defended the decision: "You no go carry soldiers keh, Nigeria no good ooo even the least person is having evil intentions."
Onyekuru's Season and Community Ties
Despite the backlash, Onyekuru remains one of the most admired footballers to emerge from Surulere. Last season, he faced challenges with Genclerbirligi, making over 17 appearances for the newly promoted Turkish outfit but failing to find the back of the net, according to Afrik-Foot. His return to the community generated excitement among local fans, although this latest appearance has sparked a wider conversation about celebrity security and the use of military escorts in Nigeria.
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that Victor Osimhen has expressed a desire to stay at Galatasaray following a successful loan stint from Napoli. According to Onyekuru, the 26-year-old striker has grown fond of life in Turkey, thriving both on and off the pitch.
