In today's football world, cybersecurity has become increasingly vital as football organizations and players are faced with cybercrime attacks that threaten their progress as organizations and individuals.

The Nigerian football community is not exempt from being targeted on a daily basis by cyber criminals who hunt for sensitive data of football players and organizations on the internet in order to scam people for financial gains and damage reputations.

How is the Nigerian football industry responding to cyber threats? Are Nigerian club sides, players and administrators taking cybersecurity seriously today?

In this interview with News Express, US-based cybersecurity expert, John Okungbowa, speaks on the interface between modern trends in the field of cybersecurity and the Nigerian football industry.

Okungbowa works as a Cybersecurity Analyst and Value Stream Coach in the US, roles through which he advocates strongly for cyber safety across social media, financial systems, and digital platforms worldwide. In an age where online threats evolve daily, he stresses that being cyber conscious is no longer optional but essential. Protecting personal data, safeguarding financial information, and ensuring digital trust are responsibilities that cut across individuals, businesses, and governments.

He champions awareness campaigns that remind people that a single breach can not only affect finances but also personal reputation, professional opportunities, and even national security. His work bridges technical expertise with education, empowering communities to stay safe in the digital space.

Below is text of his conversation with NELSON DAFE.

How much do you think Nigerian clubs are leveraging on the latest cyberspace advances to better their clubs financially, image-wise, and through data gathering?

To be very honest, Nigerian clubs are still in the early stages of fully leveraging cyberspace innovations to grow financially or strengthen their brand image. While some top-tier clubs, like Enyimba and Rivers United, have begun embracing social media engagement and basic digital branding, most clubs are not yet taking advantage of modern data analytics, fan engagement platforms, or secure online financial systems.

Globally, football clubs use cyberspace not only for digital marketing but also for data-driven decisions—for example, using player performance data to attract sponsors or sell talent. In Nigeria, many clubs still rely on manual scouting and record-keeping, which limits visibility and efficiency. If more clubs integrated secure digital systems—for ticketing, merchandise sales, or player data management—they could unlock new revenue streams and attract international recognition. However, this growth must happen alongside strong cybersecurity measures to prevent data breaches or fraud, which are increasingly common in Africa’s digital ecosystem.

Do you think local Nigerian clubs and players are educated enough about cybersecurity threats to them as organizations and individuals respectively, to worry about combating them?

In my experience, not yet. Most local clubs, players, and even administrators are still largely unaware of how exposed they are online. Players, especially younger ones, spend a lot of time on social media without understanding how easy it is to fall victim to phishing scams, fake transfer offers, or impersonation schemes.

For example, I’ve personally encountered cases where young Nigerian players were contacted by people claiming to be FIFA agents. These scammers used fake pages, forged documents, and even stole photos of real licensed agents. After collecting payments for “trial opportunities abroad,” they disappeared. Many of these scams happen over Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, showing just how vulnerable our football community is to cyber fraud.

Education is the first step. Clubs should conduct regular cybersecurity awareness sessions for players and staff—teaching them how to verify agent licenses through FIFA’s official database, protect their personal data, and avoid sharing sensitive information online. Cybersecurity isn’t just for tech companies anymore; in football, it protects careers.

Do you notice any trends in the demographics of threat actors regarding their motivations for attacking sporting events, organizations and athletes, given that globally the motivations are usually financial and political?

Yes, the trends in Nigeria and much of Africa reflect a mix of financial motives and reputational sabotage. Cybercriminals are drawn to sports because of the emotional and financial value attached to it. In Nigeria, many attacks on sports organizations—like website defacements or social media hacks—are often financially motivated. Hackers might target a club’s social media page to demand ransom or to promote betting scams.

We’re also beginning to see politically motivated attacks, especially around national tournaments or when football intersects with politics. For instance, during major tournaments, malicious actors may spread false news or hacked information to disrupt public perception or embarrass officials.

So, while financial gain remains the primary driver, the rise of misinformation campaigns—often aimed at manipulating fans or damaging reputations—is becoming another concerning trend in Nigerian sports cyberspace.

How has your expertise in football agency influenced your work as a cybersecurity expert and, vice versa, how has the knowledge of cybersecurity personally enhanced your football agency business?

My dual background has given me a unique advantage. As a FIFA-licensed agent, I handle sensitive player data, financial contracts, and communication with clubs across the world. My cybersecurity background ensures that all this information is handled with confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity. For instance, I use encrypted communication channels for contract discussions and always verify the legitimacy of emails or offers before sharing them with my clients.

On the other hand, my work as a football intermediary gives me real-life insight into the cyber risks athletes face—from identity theft to fake representation. Because of my cybersecurity training, I educate the players I represent on digital safety—how to secure their social media, recognize fraudulent offers, and maintain a professional online presence.

This combination of skills has also helped me build trust. Players and clubs know that beyond managing deals, I protect their information and their reputations, which are just as valuable in today’s digital world.

As a cybersecurity expert yourself, what areas of contributions are you working on to help ensure the prevention of cyberattacks on players, organizations, and football events?

I’m currently working on several initiatives aimed at improving digital awareness and protection within Nigerian football. One of them involves developing a cybersecurity education module tailored for sports professionals—covering social media safety, secure communication, and agent verification processes.

I’m also in talks with local academies and football bodies to help establish digital verification systems for player registrations and agent communications. These systems could drastically reduce the number of scams involving fake trials or forged contracts that have hurt so many young players.

Another area I’m passionate about is incident response planning for football organizations. Many clubs don’t know what to do when their websites or social accounts are hacked. By helping them set up protocols—such as secure backups, password management, and staff training—we can build a safer and more professional football environment in Nigeria.

Ultimately, cybersecurity in football isn’t just about technology—it’s about protecting dreams. Every young player who loses money or hope to an online scam is a reminder that we must take digital security seriously if we want to elevate Nigerian football to global standards.

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