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The ex-Super Eagles defender explains what led him to his new venture despite his exploits in the beautiful game.

Former Nigeria international Kingsley Obiekwu discloses he became a commercial bus driver to complement his meagre wages as a coach.

Obiekwu, 47, was part of the Nigeria U23 squad that won the Olympic gold medal in 1996, in Atlanta.

Before making history with Jo Bonfrere’s squad, the hard as nails defender had joined Dutch Eredivisie side Go Ahead Eagles after impressing Nigeria elite division side Udoji United.

Even at that, his promising career was short-lived – retiring at the age of 30 years due to a heart-related ailment. Currently, he manages Ingas FC - a team featuring in Nigeria's Nationwide League One.

Social media went into meltdown on Wednesday after learning the national icon now works as a commercial bus driver in Enugu to earn a living.

“The story is absolutely true, there is no lie about it. I had to open up on my situation to people because I needed help,” Obiekwu told GOAL.

“It was not an easy thing to do, but I had to summon very great courage because things are very tough.

“The club I manage is Ingas and we play in NLO 1, we don’t train every day – we train Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. So Tuesdays and Thursdays, I’m always free and I use those days to go for my transport business.”