Over the years, the influence and power of football agents have significantly increased, with some representing multiple high-profile players and commanding significant bargaining power.
Behind every successful player, an agent often pulls the strings and negotiates with clubs in their best interest.
John Shittu is one such football agent who has been brokering ground-breaking transfers for African players.
Read on about John Shittu, the players he has represented, and his agency contacts.
John Shittu’s profile summary
| Full name: | John Olatunji Shittu |
| Gender: | Male |
| Date of birth: | 1970 |
| Place of birth: | Nigeria |
| Current residence: | Nigeria |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Ethnicity: | African |
| Religion: | Christian |
| Sexuality: | Straight |
| Relationship status: | Married |
| Partner: | Vivian Chiologi |
| Profession: | Football agent |
He was born and raised in Nigeria
John Shittu is an African-based football agent born and raised in Nigeria. He is married to Vivian Chiologi, a socialite and beauty entrepreneur, whom he wed on 4th June 2016 after losing his first wife in 2010.
Shittu was the then agent of the ex-Chelsea player John Obi-Mikel and was widely renowned for his role in the transfer saga involving Chelsea and Manchester United.
He runs the John Olantunji Shittu Agency
What is John Shittu’s agency? Shittu runs the John Olantunji Shittu Agency, where he is the organization’s football manager.
He also works in partnership with top sports agency SEM in the UK, headed by Jerome Anderson and fellow English agent Dan Fletcher, to scout and facilitate transfers for players all around the globe.
Although he has been scouting talent in and around Nigeria as a football agent, John Shittu’s net worth is unknown.
He is FIFA-licensed and accredited to facilitate player transfers and has been helping them launch their careers overseas for the last four decades.
He was involved in a transfer saga
Obi Mikel was previously impressed at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, which caught the attention of elite English clubs Manchester United and Chelsea.
Under Sir Alex Ferguson’s management, Manchester United invited the youngster for a trial, where he impressed.
However, the English club did not follow up on the player, and agent John Shittu entered the picture, instigating contact between Mikel and Chelsea.
Unfortunately, due to paperwork and work permit delays, Mikel could not sign a pro contract as he was still underage and was forced to sign for Norwegian club Lyn Oslo.
Things became messy when Mikel signed a pro contract at Lyn Oslo, and Sir Alex, more than determined to get his signature, flew out to get the player.
However, unknown to Mikel then, Lyn Oslo already had an arrangement with London club Chelsea not to sell him to another club.
The ensuing drama led to a year-long legal custody battle, ending in Chelsea paying over £12 million in compensation.
He has represented high-profile players such as George Weah
Shittu was recently on the record, allegedly claiming that Nigeria produces exceptional youngsters who fade as soon as they mature due to their indiscipline, negative attitude, and character.
Despite the recent criticism, players represented by John Shitu include Isaac Promise, Chinedu Obasi, Onyekachi Apam, and Ambrose Efe.
However, George Weah, Obi Mikel, and Arsenal legend Nwankwo Kanu were his most high-profile players.
He has established his agency in Isolo-Lagos
John Shittu’s contact addresses are:
- LinkedIn: John Olatunji Shittu
- Email: oishittu@yahoo.uk
- Phone: +234-1/792 94 96 or +234-803/ 321 77 997
- Location: Kamoru Adeyemi Street, Iree-Akari State, Isolo-Lagos.
Related
- Meet agent Ryan Hartslief of Bigtime Sports Agency
- Football agent Diomansy Kamara’s profile and players
- How to get scouted by an agent
- The best football academies in Spain for African players
Good Day Sir. My name is Othembela Mahlulwana. My teammates call me Outee. I am football player from E.C but I live in Rustenburg. While I’m good at football the problem is that I stay in rural areas. I see myself as professional football player. Please assist me. Your assistance will be highly appreciated.