Babatunde Gwandoya
Babatunde Gwandoya is a Nigerian football agent. In 1993 he entered into the football agent market self-employed. Throughout his time as an agent he has managed some of the largest stars of African Football including Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou and Jay-Jay Okocha.
Career
Beginnings
Gwandoya grew up in Lagos and after leaving school worked as a sports teacher for a local college within the suburbs. He began his career as a football agent working from his basement with a couple of clients from 36 Lions FC (a local club). He managed to sanction a number of deals from the 3rd tier club to the highest tier of Nigerian football, making a small profit in the process. Gwandoya over time slowly built a relationship with some of the stars of the Nigerian Premiership including Jay Jay Okocha (who at the time was with Enugu Rangers) and get them deals with European clubs.
Present
Presently, Gwandoya has left his mark on African football. He currently has 57 players listed as his clients, and they play all over the world. Every single player signed to his agency is of African descent, but play in some of Europe's top leagues, as well as in South America and their native homelands in Africa.
Shortlist of player's contracted to Gwandoya
- Salomon Kalou
- Katlego Mphela
- Sol Bamba
- Jay Jay Okocha
- Peter Odemwingie
- Steven Pienaar
- Siphiwe Tshabalala