Victor Ikpeba Nosa– Former footballer
| Stage Name: | Victor Ikpeba |
| Real Name: | Victor Ikpeba Nosa |
| Occupation: | Footballer |
| Date Of Birth/Age: | 12th June 1973 (52 years old) |
| State of Origin: | Delta State |
| Gender: | Male |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Marital Status: | Married (Late Atinuke Ikpeba) |
| Education: | Uncertain |
| Known for: | Super Eagles winger and striker |
Early Life
Victor Ikpeba Nosa was born on June 12, 1973, in Nigeria. His parent are from Owhelogbo community in Isoko North Council Area, Delta State. Growing up, he showed a natural talent and passion for football, which would eventually shape his future career. Little did he know that his love for the sport would take him on an incredible journey across different countries and leagues.
Educational Background
While details about Ikpeba’s educational background are limited, it’s evident that his focus and dedication were primarily directed towards his football career from a young age. His early years were likely spent honing his skills on the streets and local pitches of Nigeria, where he first caught the attention of talent scouts.
Career
Ikpeba’s professional football career kicked off when he was discovered by Belgian club RFC Liège during the 1989 FIFA U-17 World Championship. This marked the beginning of a remarkable journey for the young Nigerian talent. Alongside his teammate Sunday Oliseh, he made his move to Belgium to pursue his football ambitions.
His breakthrough came when he joined Monégasque side AS Monaco at the age of 20, following an impressive stint at RFC Liège where he showcased his goal-scoring prowess. Under the guidance of renowned coach Arsène Wenger, Ikpeba began to flourish, despite facing initial challenges. His exceptional performances, particularly after the 1996 Olympics, propelled Monaco to success, winning the league title and earning him accolades such as the African Footballer of the Year award in 1997.
Ikpeba’s talents were not confined to one league. He ventured into the Bundesliga, joining Borussia Dortmund in 1999, where he reunited with Sunday Oliseh. Although his time at Dortmund was met with some difficulties, including a falling out with the coach, Ikpeba’s determination to succeed never wavered. He later embarked on loan spells to clubs such as Real Betis in Spain and Al-Ittihad in Libya, demonstrating his adaptability and resilience in the face of challenges.
Despite facing setbacks and experiencing highs and lows throughout his career, Ikpeba’s passion for the game remained unwavering. His journey took him to various clubs across Europe and beyond, leaving a lasting impact on the teams he represented.
Awards and Honours
Throughout his illustrious career, Victor Ikpeba Nosa garnered numerous awards and honours, highlighting his exceptional talent and contribution to the world of football. From domestic league titles to international accolades, his achievements speak volumes about his skill and dedication on the field.
Some of the notable honours include winning the African Cup of Nations with Nigeria in 1994 and securing the Olympic Gold Medal in 1996. Additionally, Ikpeba received individual recognition, such as the Ebony Shoe Award in 1993 and the prestigious African Footballer of the Year award in 1997.
Club
- Belgian Cup with RFC Liège: 1989–1990
- Ligue 1 with AS Monaco: 1996–1997
- Trophée des Champions with AS Monaco: 1997
- Libyan Premier League with Al Ittihad: 2002–2003
International
- African Cup of Nations with Nigeria: 1994
- Olympic Gold Medal with Nigeria: 1996
Individual
- Ebony Shoe Award: 1993
- African Footballer of the Year: 1997
Career Statistics
Throughout his career, Victor Ikpeba Nosa made significant contributions to the teams he played for, leaving a mark with his goal-scoring prowess and versatility on the pitch. While specific statistics may vary across different stages of his career, his impact was undeniable, both at the club and international levels.
In terms of appearances, Ikpeba represented Nigeria in 31 international matches, showcasing his talent on the global stage. He scored a total of seven goals for his country, including a memorable strike against Bulgaria in the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
Club Appearances and Goals
- ACB Lagos (1989): No data available.
- RFC Liège (1989–1993): 79 appearances, 27 goals.
- Monaco (1993–1999): 170 appearances, 55 goals.
- Borussia Dortmund (1999–2002): 30 appearances, 3 goals.
- Real Betis (loan, 2001–2002): 3 appearances, 0 goals.
- Al Ittihad (2002–2003): 26 appearances, 13 goals.
- Charleroi (2004): 15 appearances, 5 goals.
- Al-Sadd (2005): No data available.
International Appearances and Goals
- Nigeria U23 (1996): 6 appearances, 1 goal.
- Nigeria (1992–2002): 31 appearances, 7 goals.
Wife and Kids
Off the pitch, Victor Ikpeba Nosa’s life was marked by personal tragedy and triumphs. He currently resides in Lagos, Nigeria, where he remains involved in the football world, co-hosting Monday Night Football on Supersport. However, his journey has been marked by loss, particularly with the passing of his wife Atinuke in May 2000 after a battle with breast cancer.
Controversies
While Victor Ikpeba Nosa’s career was predominantly characterized by his achievements and contributions to football, it was not without its controversies. One notable incident occurred during his time at Real Betis in Spain, where he faced criticism from the coach for being overweight, leading to limited playing time and a challenging stint at the club. Additionally, his departure from Libyan outfit Al-Ittihad over financial disagreements shed light on the complexities of professional football and the obstacles players often encounter.
Net Worth
Victor Ikpeba‘s net worth is estimated to be around $4.5 million, accumulated from his successful football career, endorsement deals, and post-retirement ventures. His net worth is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport, making him one of the wealthiest former footballers in Nigeria.
