I have always wondered why established Nigerian footballers, both home and abroad, seem to just walk away quietly without officially announcing their retirement to football fans and other football stakeholders.
Year after year, some retire silently, while others resurface after years being active, like Chijioke Ejiogu “Arugo Monkey” who recently made back-to-back appearances for Kun Khalifat in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
Meanwhile, we have seen the likes of Femi Thomas and Daniel Aiyenugba, who both retired not too long ago and are now working with NPFL sides Ikorodu City and Kwara United, respectively.
About the man I am speaking to in this exclusive interview, James Faith: for him, it is not by choice but by circumstance. Injury has brought the curtain down on a career at just age 26. Still, as one chapter closes, another begins.
“It was very frustrating, and I had to just say goodbye to it because of my condition and the mental disability to it,” said an emotional Faith while speaking to www.aclsports.com.
”I just had to say goodbye to football because of what surrounds it. Based on how Nigerian football operates and the difficulty that comes with it, when you are injured and left alone. So, it is frustrating to leave the game,” Faith added.
”Players do not announce their retirement because to them it is a shame, to me it is a long time coming,” James shared his opinion about players deciding not to announce they are done with their professional career.
”Despite not travelling abroad, I played in the NPFL and the second division (NNL). I even featured for about seven clubs, and God was so good to me during my playing days. That is what it is,” added a grateful Faith, who featured for several top-flight clubs, including current champions Remo Stars, Lobi Stars, Shooting Stars and Wikki Tourists.
Apart from the aforementioned clubs, James also enjoyed some playing time at Ikorodu City – the last NPFL team he played for in the 2024/25 campaign. While he was delighted to have played in Lagos, he went on to speak about the visibility the centre of excellence gives.
”Lagos football is actually sweet. It draws people’s attention to you, and it is going to announce you. In addition, Lagos is a public place where they give you publicity if you perform very well. I enjoyed my stay in Lagos with Ikorodu City, and my time at Inter Lagos was fantastic,” Faith spoke glowingly.
”I just have to take it a step at a time. I have to go to the National Institute for Sports (NIS) and learn now that I am done with active football,” Faith answered a question about life after football.
On a final note, he spoke about the reason behind going into coaching, stressing that he has the knowledge to impact the next generation of goalkeepers for Nigeria.
”I have learnt a lot during my playing days, and I added more to it through reading and some research, and I think I can impact the young lads, tell them the right things to do, and get along with them.”
Despite the setbacks that ultimately forced him away from the pitch, Faith James still carved out a career defined by commitment, making over 50 appearances across Nigeria’s top two divisions.
At Inter Lagos, where he now serves as a goalkeeper trainer, they might be playing in the NPFL next season. Beyond that, his influence stretches into grassroots development, working closely with young talents at The Athletics Academy in Lagos, where he continues to shape the next generation of goalkeepers.
The gloves may be off, but his impact on the game is far from over—it has simply evolved.
