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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
Nigeria’s movie industry is renowned for its beautiful and talented actresses. The industry, which has gained global recognition is also synonymous with relationship controversies.
However, some of Nigeria’s football talents have found love in the country’s movie industry.
Here are current Super Eagles players that are married to Nollywood actresses.
Peter Olayinka and Yetunde Barnabas
Peter Olayinka plays for Serbian club, Red Star Belgrade after switching from Czech club, Slavia Prague in the summer. Olayinka has made four appearances for the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Olayinka is married to Nollywood actress and model, Yetunde Barnabas.
Barnabas initially gained recognition as the winner of The Most Beautiful Girl in Abuja pageant in 2017. She was later crowned Miss Tourism Nigeria in 2019.
The actress is best known for her role as Miss Pepeiye on Nigeria’s long-running sitcom, Papa Ajasco and Company, as well as several leading roles in the Yoruba movie industry.
Olayinka and Barnabas tied the knot in Lagos on June 11, 2021.
Shehu Abdullahi and Naja’atu Muhammad
Super Eagles defender, Shehu Abdullahi, is married to Kannywood (the Hausa Language cinema arm of Nollywood) actress, Naja’atu Muhammad, popularly known as Murjanatu Yar Baba.
Shehu, who has played for clubs in Turkey, Cyprus, Kuwait and Portugal, is currently a free agent after terminating his contract with Bulgarian First League club, Levski Sofia.
The footballer got married to Naja’atu, who started acting at the age of 10, at a well attended event in Kano in June 2021.
Since making his debut in 2014, Shehu has made 37 appearances for the Super Eagles.
Former Super Eagles players who are also married to actresses include Joseph Yobo, Ike Uche and Emmanuel Emenike.