Anthony Ujah: Players have powers over their agents

Union Berlin’s big centre forward Anthony Ujah has advised upcoming footballers to take their destinies in their own hands while making transfer decisions, insisting that “players have the power’.

Ujah, 31, was speaking on an Instagram Live Session with Footballers Connect NG on Monday evening; a forum that gives advice to upcoming footballers with the aim of guiding them against career-wrecking decisions.

When asked what the relationship between an upcoming player should be with his agent, Ujah answered in the affirmative:

“Players have the power. Without them no agent will be paid, without them, no fans can come to the stadium. The fact that they (young players) are just starting doesn’t mean the agent has the power over them,” said Ujah.

Ujah left Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side Warri Wolves for Lillestrom in Norway in 2009 and has since played for clubs in China and Germany where he is presently in the Bundesliga.

The former Mainz and Werder Bremen forward who has six caps with Nigeria’s senior national team further implored young footballers to trust their instincts while taking crucial decisions for their careers.

“It is important for young players to know that agents are working for them and not the other way round. At the end of the day, it is your decision that matters.

“If your agent is taking you somewhere that you don’t like, follow your instincts and make the decision,” added Ujah.

Anthony Ujah scored three goals for Union Berlin in the 2019/20 as the club escaped relegation to the second division.