Nigeria midfielder Joel Obi, has shed light on a unique aspect of his journey to professional football.
In a recent interview with Resto del Carlino, the former Super Eagles star disclosed a surprising truth: he did not have access to his own salary until the age of 24.
It all began in 2000, when a wide-eyed nine-year-old arrived in Italy with his family. Born in Nigeria, football wasn't just a game for Obi; it was a burning passion flickering brightly within him. “Ever since we arrived in Italy,” he recollected, “I always told my mom that I wanted to play football.”
But Obi's mother, the silent rock behind his rise, had other plans. “The first chance to join Parma came when I was twelve. But my mom wasn't having it. It would have meant travelling 30 minutes by car every day for training. She put her foot down – ‘It's too early,' she said, ‘you're too small. You need to focus on your studies.'”
Obi’s mother and her influence
This focus on education became a constant theme in Obi's early life.
“Parma came back for me the following year,” he continued, “and this time, at thirteen, my mom finally said yes.” There was a caveat, though – education remained the priority.
“School was paramount for her. She only allowed me to go to Inter after I finished eighth grade, and only after I promised I'd graduate. So, I became an accountant. I studied and played.”
The influence of Obi's mother wasn't limited to his academic pursuits. Even after turning professional, his finances remained firmly under her control.
“Up until I was 24, I never saw a penny of my salary,” the former Inter man revealed with a hint of amusement. “I gave it all to my mom. She managed the money, and I just focused on playing. But I'm an adult now, and if I still relied on my mom for everything, it would be a disaster!”
Joel Obi’s football journey: From Inter to the Super Eagles
Joel Obi began his professional career in Inter Milan's youth academy.
After impressing coaches, he was promoted to the first team in 2010. Although he saw limited playing time initially, he did collect a Champions League medal in 2010 as part of Inter's winning squad. He also, between 2011 and 2018, made 16 appearances for Nigeria's senior national team: the Super Eagles.
Obi eventually earned more starts and even scored his first Serie A goal in 2012.
After loan spells at Parma and Torino, Obi moved permanently to Torino in 2015. He bounced around clubs in Serie A for the next few years, including Chievo Verona and Salernitana, before joining Reggina in 2022.
In January 2024, Obi signed with Vis Pesaro in Serie C Group B. Throughout his career, Obi has displayed versatility playing as a winger, fullback, and of course, his natural midfield position.
