In a football world where talent alone is no longer enough, Henry Eze is building a new kind of agency — one where storytelling, strategy, and visibility are just as valuable as a player’s left foot.
A former media strategist turned football business expert, Eze is part of a rising class of African football agents reshaping the role from behind-the-scenes negotiator to full-spectrum career architect. Whether he’s guiding a young player through their first professional contract or positioning a female footballer for global attention, Henry is not just chasing deals — he’s curating destinies.
From IT to Football: An Unexpected Journey
Eze’s entry into football wasn’t planned. With a background in IT, web development, and media, he was far from the world of contracts and transfer deals. But in December 2018, a chance meeting at Eko Hotel with Mr. Joe Udofia and Nigerian legend Nwankwo Kanu changed everything.
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“I introduced myself and told them what I do,” Henry recalls. “Both of them were interested, and Kanu reached out first. I ended up working with him as a personal assistant and IT personnel. That’s really where the passion for sports began.”
Through Kanu’s projects like the Papilo Football Academy, Eze began to see football differently — not just as a game, but as an industry built on branding, media, and opportunity. Later, working with Vandrezzer FC under Joe Udofia exposed him to the gaps in Nigerian football’s commercial model. Broadcasting, merchandising, and ticket sales — the lifeblood of football economies elsewhere — were almost non-existent locally.
That curiosity led him to Barcelona, Spain, where he pursued a Master’s in Football Business at the Johan Cruyff Institute and interned with international agencies like Unex Sports Group.
Why He Stepped Into Player Representation
Eze didn’t just want to be another agent. He saw structural flaws in how Nigerian players were being represented.
“Most agents in Nigeria put themselves above the players,” he explains. “They make decisions on behalf of players, take excessive commissions — sometimes 30–40% instead of FIFA’s regulated 10% — and give players little room to choose. That needed to change.”
Henry’s philosophy is different: transparency, collaboration, and putting the player’s career first. He offers what he calls a 360-degree support system — from visas and accommodation to PR strategy and social media branding. “I want my players to focus on the pitch while I take care of everything off it,” he says.
Media as a Game-Changer
Eze’s background in IT and media has become his secret weapon. “Branding is one of the tools I use to secure deals for my players,” he says.
He cites the example of a female footballer now playing at AS Roma. By reworking her CV, polishing her highlight videos, and building a professional social media presence, Eze positioned her not just as a player, but as a marketable athlete. The results? Interest from global brands like Puma and Adidas.
“Representation today is more than contracts,” he insists. “It’s about visibility, storytelling, and showing clubs the complete value of a player.”
Africa: The Gold Mine and Its Challenges
Despite Africa’s rich talent pool, Eze believes players are often misrepresented in the global football economy. “Africa is seen as a gold mine — raw talent you can get for cheap,” he says. “Because of desperation, players fall for poor deals. That has to change.”
For him, the Scandinavian leagues offer the best entry point for African players. With their developmental approach, they allow talent to adapt gradually before making the leap to bigger leagues. “It’s better to grow in a mid-tier club, succeed, and move up, than to crash at a top club too early,” he explains.
He also points to systemic challenges — lack of content, statistics, and infrastructure in African football. “Clubs abroad want data and reports. In Nigeria, how many clubs have analysts? Without content, players lose opportunities.”
Championing Women’s Football
Eze is also passionate about the women’s game. Inspired by figures like Asisat Oshoala, he sees female football as one of the fastest-growing opportunities in sports.
“Female football is a clean, growing business. We’ve seen record transfers and increased prize money in Africa. But players still face trust issues with agents. My goal is to build credibility and help them reach the global stage.”
From Morocco’s investment in women’s football to Nigeria’s immense raw talent, Henry believes the continent is on the brink of a women’s football revolution — and that agents will play a pivotal role.
The Road Ahead
Henry Eze is preparing to launch his own agency in the coming months, with a focus on developing young African talent and providing them with world-class representation. His five-year vision? To see his players starring in Europe, representing national teams, and building brands that outlast their playing careers.
“The biggest lesson I’ve learned is trust,” he reflects. “Agents must never disrespect their clients. Ten years from now, I want my players to say I impacted their lives positively.”
And his advice to every young African footballer? “Be ready. Don’t be desperate. Build your content, trust the process, and put God first.”
Henry Eze is not just another football agent. He is part of a new wave — blending media, marketing, and representation to give African players the future they deserve.
