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What He Told City People
Lanre Vigo is a name that resonates in the Nigerian sports landscape, not just because of the high-profile athletes he manages, but because of the thoughtful, almost paternal approach he brings to athlete management. Sitting across him, you quickly notice that he is both calm and sharp, with a warmth that makes players and partners alike trust him implicitly,
“I manage the likes of Asisat Oshoala, Tobi Amusan, Henry Onyekulu, Michelle Alozie, just to name a few. I’ve always been in the sports business,” he says, his eyes lighting up as he recounts the stories behind each athlete. It’s not just a job for Lanre, it’s a calling that combines his love for sports, business acumen, and an innate sense of mentorship,
Lanre’s journey started on the pitch. “I’m an ex-semi-professional player,” he explains. “I used to play in England, in the non league space. I played for Chelmsford City, Northamptonsports, Clapton FC, St. Margaret’s Bay. Just in and around the National League area and below.” There is modesty in his tone, but you can sense the pride of someone who knows the grind it takes to play professionally. The long nights, the uncertain contracts, the constant pressure to prove oneself, these experiences clearly inform the way he manages his players today,
His transition into management was accelerated by circumstance. “I decided to come back to Nigeria in 2020. Well, COVID made me stuck here,” he recounts. But it wasn’t just luck, it was also insight. Sitting with his business partners at Plunk Sports, they identified a critical gap. “Nigerian players, African players are not looked after properly. If they actually managed their brand, put themselves out there, they could get global deals and command better salaries. We thought, why not help them achieve that?”
The first person they signed was Henry Onyekulu, and Lanre recalls the moment vividly. “Henry was born in Turkey. He was our first client, and we were able to secure some crazy deals for him. After that, Asisat Oshoala joined. Then Toby Amusan, Michelle Alozie, it grew quickly,”
Vigo’s network has been central to this success. “My best friend, also my business partner, is Davido’s manager. We’re always around footballers. When we saw the next promising talent, we knew exactly what to do. It was about opening doors, showing them possibilities,”
The story of signing Tobi Amusan is almost cinematic. “The morning after people were tagging me on Instagram to manage her, I thought about it for an hour. I called a friend who also runs for Nigeria, and Tobi was right next to him. I said, ‘I want to manage her.’ Three days later, we had a meeting in Birmingham. It was an instant connection. She was skeptical at first, she didn’t want to work with anyone. But when she saw the value, she was in,”
But management is more than contracts. “Yes, we put money in their pockets,” he admits, “but it’s also about temperament and personality. Social media mistakes, bad press, rough patches, that’s when you become their big brother, little brother, sometimes even a father figure. Emotional intelligence is key. I guide them, keep their focus, and make sure they know they have support,”
He recounts a particularly challenging period with Tobi Amusan. “There was a time she felt the world was against her. I just had to be there, reassure her that brands won’t abandon her, that she would bounce back. That’s the unseen side of management, providing confidence and perspective,”
Michelle Alozie came on board after witnessing the success of her peers. “She saw everything happening and said she wanted to join. It’s like a domino effect, when they see others succeed, they’re inspired to think bigger. It’s gratifying to see that confidence grow in them,”
Lanre also emphasizes the partnership aspect. “It’s not just a one-way relationship. I do my part, they do theirs. If the vibe isn’t right, I won’t sign anyone. It’s about mutual trust and understanding. That’s why Henry, Tobi, Michelle, and Asisat work with me, they know I genuinely care,”
Fans and the public often only see sponsorships and deals, but Vigo ensures the athletes’ personalities are nurtured. “We guide them on how to project themselves, how to handle public scrutiny, and how to balance personal and professional life. These players are young and talented. Their careers can be affected by a single misstep. We mitigate that risk,”
His approach has caught the attention of the broader sports community. “Other players started reaching out after seeing what we were doing. But I’m selective, I need a genuine connection. It has to be a partnership, not just a contract on paper,”
Lanre laughs as he recounts how social media sometimes complicates things. “I don’t tell them to post everything. It’s easier for us to manage the narrative quietly. But I do monitor trends, endorsements, and opportunities. I’m always a step ahead. That’s my job,”
He also shares personal anecdotes, like his “super crush” on a player and the lighthearted moments behind the seriousness of management. It humanizes the story, a reminder that behind every athlete and deal, there’s a man working tirelessly, blending professionalism with genuine care,
By the end of the conversation, one thing is clear: Lanre Vigo doesn’t just manage athletes, he builds careers, nurtures talent, and provides guidance that transcends the business side of sports. The athletes he manages aren’t just clients, they’re part of a network built on trust, mentorship, and shared ambition.
By Benprince Ezeh
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