The boots Victor Osimhen wore when he scored a crucial hat-trick for Nigeria against the Benin Republic were priceless pieces of national football memorabilia. They traveled from the foot of one of the world’s most lethal strikers straight into the hands of a local NNL coach as a goodwill gesture.
But in Nigerian football, sometimes sentimentality takes a backseat to necessity.
In a move that perfectly captures the pragmatic hustle of Nigerian grassroots football, Olisa Ezeasor, the Assistant Coach of Anambra-based Solution FC, has confirmed the sale of the iconic boots gifted to him by the Super Eagles star, Victor Osimhen.
The quick turnaround? Barely two months. The reason? Business capital.
The Priceless Gift vs. The N1 Million Question
The story of the boots began in September. Following Osimhen’s stellar performance—a decisive hat-trick that significantly boosted Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifying dreams—Coach Ezeasor publicly hailed the striker. Osimhen, known for his generosity towards those in the local game, responded by gifting the very pair of boots he wore on that momentous night.
For any football enthusiast, owning the match-worn gear of a superstar like Osimhen (a reigning African Player of the Year) is akin to owning a treasure chest.
However, Ezeasor sees the value differently—not just as an object of admiration, but as a critical financial tool.
On Saturday, he put the item up for sale with a clear, ambitious price tag: ₦1,000,000.
“Officially putting this boot up for sale. Price: One million naira only. Size: 44/45. Money needed to support my personal business,” Ezeasor posted, making his intentions unequivocally clear.
The Pragmatic Hustle
While some critics might view the rapid sale as disrespectful to Osimhen’s generosity, the reality for many coaches operating in the Nigeria National League (NNL) underscores a constant financial strain. The money raised from selling such high-value, unique memorabilia can provide essential seed capital that salary structures often cannot afford.
It was a brilliant piece of business.
By Sunday, Ezeasor confirmed the sale was complete. The buyer was identified as Fola Olatunji-David, a respected football administrator. While the final price was undisclosed, we know the transaction met Ezeasor’s immediate financial needs.
For Coach Ezeasor, the boots served their purpose far better generating liquid capital than sitting on a shelf. It was a choice between preserving a memory and building a future.
From Proceeds to Payback: The N250,000 Giveaway
The story took an even more interesting turn immediately after the sale. Recognizing the attention and support his unusual transaction generated, Ezeasor announced a significant portion of the money would go straight back into the community.
He posted an update declaring a ₦250,000 giveaway from the proceeds: “N10,000 for 25 persons. In order to give back to my mutual community, who have been active under my posts since my small fame in this space…”
This generous gesture solidifies the coach’s image as a pragmatist with a heart, ensuring that his temporary ‘fame’ also benefits those around him.
The Reality of Grassroots Football
This entire episode provides a stark look at the financial realities facing local football administrators and coaches.
While Osimhen operates on the global stage, earning millions in Italy, those who mentor and work within Nigeria’s domestic leagues often struggle for stability.
The pressure on Ezeasor and Solution FC is real. Just hours before posting the boots for sale, the Anambra side lost their league game 2-0 against Abakaliki FC. Following the defeat, the coach was left lamenting what he called “partial officiating” in the league—a typical cry demonstrating the challenges faced on and off the pitch.
In the end, Olisa Ezeasor traded a magnificent piece of Super Eagles history for immediate financial leverage. Victor Osimhen’s kindness was maximized, transforming a sentimental gift into a tangible business opportunity.
Sometimes, the best investment isn’t in what you keep, but what you capitalize on.
