How sports betting almost ruined my life – Teacher of the Year, Ifechukwu confesses
Esomnofu Ifechukwu, winner of Teacher of the Year Competition, has revealed how sports betting almost ruined his life.
In a post shared on his Facebook page on Monday, Ifechukwu recounted how his involvement in betting left him financially stranded in 2017.
He said the habit drained his bank account, forced him to sell personal belongings, and eventually pushed him to move back to his parents’ house after being unable to pay rent.
According to him, the experience remains a painful memory, serving as a lesson for others who might be tempted to gamble.
He warned against the dangers of betting, stressing that it could destroy lives if not controlled.
Ifechukwu said: “This innocent face you are seeing here? Don’t let it deceive you. I was smiling outside, but inside my chest, my village people were playing drum.
“Betting finished me that year. One ticket destroyed everything. Bank account — empty. Pocket — empty. I even dropped my phone as collateral (imagine me begging them not to reset it). At one point, I sold all my so-called properties — plastic chair and one small tv, generator, etc — and moved back to my parents’ house because landlord had no joy.
“That was 2017, eight years ago. But the memory still feels fresh. If you can’t control betting, please don’t even try it. Before you move from “big boy” to “please, can I borrow small airtime.”
How sports betting almost ruined my life – Teacher of the Year, Ifechukwu confesses
