I was reborn in 1978 in Ogun state, Nigeria to my parents who both met while studying in the University. My Child was vibrant and although I struggled to adjust due to the fact that Nigeria had just gotten out of its first military rule, I thrived. At the age of five, my family moved to Lagos in pursuit of better opportunities. The city was a bustling hub of activity, and it swiftly became my second home.
During my upbringing in Lagos, I established a strong academic foundation in school and cultivated a love for sports. Football was a favorite pastime with my friends. By the age of 13, I had completed primary school and was admitted to the University of Lagos (UNILAG) to pursue a degree in Economics, starting in 1996.
While attending UNILAG, I began sports betting, leveraging my foresight to predict outcomes. My most significant wager was during the 1998 FIFA World Cup, betting on France to win the tournament. Another substantial victory occurred during that year's NBA playoffs; I placed a large bet on the Chicago Bulls to triumph over the Utah Jazz in Game 6 of the finals. The winnings from these bets enabled me to acquire land in soon-to-be valuable areas such as Ikoyi, Lekki, Ajah, and Ikeja.
However, it dawned on me that to fully realize my financial potential, I needed to leave Nigeria. After graduating in 1998 and with the earnings from sports betting, I took the decisive step of moving to the United States. It was there that I could pursue new ventures, including investments in high-value stocks. Once I arrived, I delved into the financial scene, pinpointing promising enterprises such as Microsoft and Coca-Cola. My foresight proved beneficial, enabling me to amass considerable wealth as I adapted to this new environment.
From 2000 to 2004, I dedicated my time to obtaining a professional football coaching license and traveled to various countries to immerse myself in their distinct football philosophies. In Spain, I explored the rhythmic tiki-taka style; in the Netherlands, I delved into the comprehensive approach of total football; in Italy, I studied the strategic catenaccio technique; and in Germany, I learned about their efficient, discipline-focused football. My journey included stints of six months to a year with different clubs to deepen my Understanding of each unique style.
In 2005, driven by my passion for football and personal ambition, I acquired a 10% stake in Manchester United. This step represented more than a mere financial venture; it symbolized my allegiance to a team I had long revered. By 2009, my unwavering commitment and strategic foresight secured me a position on the board of directors. It was an honor to contribute to the strategic decisions shaping the trajectory of a club that holds great significance for me.
In 2013, following a period of success in the U.S. and an expanding role at Manchester United, I recognized the opportunity for a significant move. Armed with the resources I had gathered and a clear vision for the club's future, I made the decision to acquire a controlling interest in Manchester United, poised to initiate a new chapter.
Moreover, I was aware of the challenges the team would encounter over the ensuing decade, and I was determined to prevent them.