Ibrahim Babangida, former military President of Nigeria, recalls the moment his wife, Mariam Babangida, read a letter sent by a lady.
His PA brought home a letter from the office and kept at his dining. The letter came from a girl. The wife came home and read the letter.
When he got home, he apologized for allowing her read the letter she's not supposed to read.
She smiled and called him a crook.
And everything was settled.
Thank you to everyone who played a part in my journey, from my Charlton days as a kid through to my last time playing football at Bromley. From the age of 8 football has been my life, it’s given me a lot, and I have also given it a lot back. In fact I’ve given it everything.
It’s for that reason that I can write this looking back over my career with no regrets. Do I wish certain things went better? Without a doubt. A lot of things. I once scored an own goal from 30 yards out. I certainly wouldn’t mind deleting that from history. But were these bad or difficult moments ever because of a lack of effort? No. Like I said, I gave football everything. Everyday.
And I guess I’m writing this because I can see that’s getting lost a bit these days. I don’t know if it’s social media painting a certain picture of what a footballer looks like, but I want to be clear, behind the scenes these top players train like their life depends on it. Alexis Sánchez, wow. Every training session he trained like it was his last. The ones that don’t, they fall by the way side eventually. Even when they’re really, really good. I’ve seen it happen to too many young pros and scholars, trying to make a name in the game.
Apply yourself everyday, listen to your coaches and learn from the players who have already been where you want to get to. Because if you don’t make it, and it’s because you got carried away with yourself, it’ll be a heavy burden to carry later in life.
I suffered a lot with confidence throughout my career, which I found strange because my Dad always backs himself to the hilt. I saw loads of people, to try and unlock something within me and find that inner belief. “Take the chains off” Arsène Wenger would say to me. “I’m trying boss”, I would say to myself. But I’m certain it was that same insecurity that gave me the drive I have, that would make me run harder and train harder than everyone else. Ultimately that’s what gave me a career at the top level, because physically I was a machine and I took a lot of pride in that. Was the way I am a blessing or a curse for me? A bit of both I think. But you can only play the cards you’re dealt and try and make the best of them.
I’m writing all this because I hope some young players might read it. You guys have so much confidence these days! I wish I could nick some of it and take it back in time, but confidence without application and having that fire in your belly to improve everyday won’t get you far. I see less young players doing extras, working on their craft, doing extra running after training. Trust me, you won’t have a career if you neglect this aspect.
Try and find the sweetspot. That’s why I love guys like Bukayo Saka. He’s got that swagger, but you only need to listen to him in a post match interview to see he’s never lost his humility. Find the sweetspot.
Hopefully the above has some value to someone out there. I didn’t want to write the generic retirement ‘thanks for everything’ post as it seemed like a missed opportunity. Although of course I am very grateful to my friends, family, coaches, managers and of course the fans who have been with me on my journey. I’m looking forward to seeing what life has in store for me next.
Cheers,
Jenko
UPDATE ON MY MAI SUYA: I have now found them. Apparently, someone came to buy N15,000 suya from them. He was their last customer and had bought up all the suya they had left.
When the guy was about to enter his car, armed robbers collected his keys and drove the car away. My mai suya guys were completely unaware of what had happened because, strangely, the guy never even came back to them to say that any such thing had happened.
It wasn’t until they set up the next day to start their business that they were arrested and detained on the allegation that they must have colluded with the armed robbers.
Their phones were sent to the DSS for analysis to check whether there was any communication between them and anybody leading up to the carjacking. There wasn’t.
The good news is that the guys have now been released because, apparently, the car has now been found. Their phones have yet to be returned by the DSS though.
Following their release, they asked the Police whether they could resume at their old spot and the Police advised that they wait until the DSS releases their phones and the matter is fully resolved. They have, therefore, set up temporarily on Bala Sokoto Way. They had lost business for 10 days and were already looking emaciated.
I asked if they needed a lawyer and they said they didn’t think so right now. They were empathetic to the guy that had been robbed of his car and were pleased that it had now been recovered. Thank you to @egi_nupe and @PwettyFeet who offered free legal services should they need them.
Unknown to me, there are neighbours I didn’t even know were on Twitter who have reached out to express their concerns, on the basis that they have been part of our community for years. We all, therefore, agreed that we would raise a little money to help them get back on their feet.
I went to look for the DPO today but he wasn’t there. I’ll go again tomorrow to ask about their phones.
They are out and back to striving to make an honest living. And no, I didn’t buy Suya today. That wasn’t the purpose.
@DrJoeAbah Your determination to find them is deeply inspiring. May we always have the courage to speak for those whose voices cannot be heard, and to stand for those who might otherwise be forgotten. God bless you, sir, and strengthen you in this important work.
Whenever I come back from “the abroad”, the first thing I look for is Suya and roasted corn. My Mai Suya are very diligent. The only days they are not there are on Sallah holidays.
Having been “in the abroad” for more than a month, I looked forward to my local ram suya. They were not there on Saturday. I thought “That’s odd!” They were not there again on Sunday. I felt that something must be wrong.
When they were not there again by 12 noon on Monday, as they usually are everyday, I was really concerned.
There is a smart young woman who does a POS business near them. I asked her why they had not come for three days and she said that they had a little problem. I asked her what “little problem” they had.
Apparently, someone had come to buy Suya from them. While he was buying the Suya, a car thief entered his car and drove it away. He then accused my Suya guys of being responsible for the theft of his car, since he was buying Suya from them when it was stolen. He had all of them arrested and locked up!
I asked for their numbers and the POS lady said that they had seized all their phones. I didn’t know which police station they were at. I didn’t know their names and on the occasions that I had paid for my suya with a bank transfer, I didn’t save their account details that would have shown a name at least.
I started asking the people I knew in the police, but felt a bit silly saying “I am looking for four Suya guys that were arrested.”
I was determined to intervene because I know that it was just one “big man” taking out his frustrations on some little guys. How long does it take to buy Suya that they will have enough time to organise for your car to be stolen?
Those guys have been on that street for 20 years. They sell four full rams every day. They have come to my house to roast ram suya when I have had major social events.
I asked another Suya guy who sells beef suya nearby whether he had any of their phone numbers but he said that even he doesn’t have a phone, never mind having anybody’s phone number.
After searching for them for a week, I finally found a guy who said that they had now been bailed from the police station and were considering resuming their business. They had lost at least two weeks and were so traumatised by the experience that they did not want to return to the same location on Ebitu Ukiwe where they had been for 20 years!
I arranged with the guy who knew them that he will take me to go and see them when I return from my current trip. I will see if I can persuade them to return to their usual spot next to the diligent POS young woman and the nice lady that sells roasted corn. Perfect combination!
This country can be brutal when you are not a big man. Those of us who are not small in our own right have a duty to help protect the little guys from the typical Naija “big man.” I will find that their accuser, somehow, someway. You might think that you are a big man but “Even your boo get a boo (a boo, a boo).”
I am Ezemmuo. I know things.
Heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Muhammad Sani Abdullahi—@Dattijo on your redeployment as Deputy Governor, Corporate Services Directorate of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
May Allah continue to bless you with wisdom, sound health, and outstanding success as you undertake this important responsibility. Your mentorship, guidance, and unwavering support have been truly invaluable, and we remain grateful for the positive impact you have made in our lives.
We pray that this new assignment ushers in even greater accomplishments and milestones, and that your tenure is marked by excellence, progress, and lasting contributions to our nation. Wishing you continued success in this well-deserved role.
🚨 BREAKING: Arsenal now in the WORLD’S TOP 3 RICHEST CLUBS! 💰
The Gunners are set to post a staggering £770 million ($1.04 BILLION) in revenue for the 2025/26 season a new Premier League record that catapults us into the global elite behind only Real Madrid and Barcelona.
This smashes Man City’s previous high of £715m and marks a massive leap from last season’s £691m. On-pitch glory (PL title + UCL final) is paying off big time!
Full breakdown:
- Premier League: ~£192m (title winners + new TV deals)
- Champions League: ~£124m (record European haul to the final)
- Commercial: ~£290m (sponsors queuing up for success)
- Match-day: ~£160m (Emirates rocking all season)
From the pitch to the bank balance the rebuild is complete. Silverware, status, and serious money flowing in.
We Own London. We Own the Numbers. We’re Top 3 Globally. COYG❤️💪🔥
The Empire State Building shines red and white tonight in celebration of @Arsenal’s Premier League Title and trophy celebration.
See the lights live: https://t.co/iavtXSm3Fx
🚨A Message From Legend Wenger To The Family.
My dear Arsenal family,
🗣️Football can be the most beautiful thing in the world, and also the cruellest. Yesterday we saw both.
🗣️I watched our players give everything on that pitch in Budapest their hearts, their souls, their intelligence. They played with the spirit that has defined this club for so long: courage, technical quality, and a refusal to give up even when the moments became difficult. Kai’s early goal, the way we controlled large parts of the game… we were so close again. So very close.
🗣️I know how much this hurts. I felt it myself in 2006. That pain is real because the love is real. When you care as deeply as we do at Arsenal, defeat in a final cuts to the bone. But please, do not let this moment define the season or the progress we have made. This team has brought the club back to the very highest level. They have consistency, they have character, and they have shown they belong among Europe’s elite.
🗣️To the players: hold your heads high. You have made us proud. To Mikel and the staff: you have built something special keep believing, keep building. To the fans who travelled and those watching everywhere: your support was magnificent, as always. You are the soul of this club.
🗣️I had so hoped to be with you on the streets of north London for the parade, to see the smiles, the flags, the pride in every face. But sadly I won’t be able to attend. Travel and health make it difficult at this time. Still, know that my heart will be right there with every single one of you, cheering, singing, and remembering how far we have come together.
🗣️The trophy is still missing from the Emirates, yes. But the journey to get there has been magnificent, and the story is not finished. We have come so far. Pain today, but hope and pride forever.
We will rise again. Because that is who we are.
Thank you, and I love this club with all my heart.
Arsène Wenger ❤️
Through the ups and downs - we felt your backing every step of the way this season, Gooners 👏
We can't wait to celebrate an historic season with you later today in N5 ❤️
My Emotions are now back in check and I can think clearly now. About yesterday, very weird referee.
His decisions yesterday were very one sided, but all good we've also benefited from refereeing decision in the past. I won't cry rivers about it.
This team is very solid, reduced psg to their lowest xg since the beginning of the season. I saw dembele clueless, kvara couldn't beat defenders anymore, doue was moving around with nothing. As a team without the ball, this is the most coordinated I've seen in my life.
But we must be honest, we lack the attacking platform to match our defensive resilience and it's always going to be detrimental to overcoming hurdles. I don't want to throw my players under the bus as each have given their blood and sweat for this club.
Madueke justified that England call up, i saw him take best LB on 4 times and beat him everytime.
Gabriel displayed one of the most colossal defensive performances in a final, he was enjoying every moment, sad he had to miss his pk, chin up champ.
Raya. If you don't start for Spain, I'm hatewatching them.
Arteta man, I don't know what to say but thank you.
Dear Amadioha, please visit anybody that mentions the word “bottle” following this match. This was a match between the two best teams in Europe. One had to win. It wasn’t Arsenal this time. Proud of the boys still. North London Forever! #PSGARS