Nigeria Owes No Sportsman Any Favour – Olympic Medallist, Udo-Obong Says

Two-time Olympic medallist, Enefiok Udo-Obong, has said Nigerian athletes, past and present, are entitled to respect and recognition for their contributions to sports rather than lifetime financial benefits.

Udo-Obong made the comment in reaction to calls by some ex-Super Eagles players who accused the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the government of neglecting retired footballers.

The criticism was made public during the service of songs for late former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, where ex-internationals Taribo West and Austin Eguavoen condemned the treatment of past players.

In response, the NFF issued a statement countering the claims. But Udo-Obong, writing on Facebook, said it was wrong for former athletes to demand financial favours from the government.

“It is insulting for Austin Eguavoen to compare playing in the Super Eagles or any sportsman with a soldier. One lives a life of luxury and privilege, and the other lays down his life and privileges so that all can enjoy a life of privilege,” Udo-Obong wrote.

“The nation owes no sportsman any favour. On the contrary, we owe the country for the opportunity and platform they have given us to flourish our talents and to live a life envious to the majority. All we deserve from the country and its leaders is respect and recognition for our hard work.”

Udo-Obong is one of Nigeria’s most celebrated athletes, winning gold in the men’s 4x400m relay at the Sydney 2000 Olympics and bronze at Athens 2004.

In 2024, he was appointed Technical Director of Saudi Arabia’s Athletics Development Programme after competing with experts from the United States, Britain and Australia. He previously served as Technical Director of the Lagos State Athletics Association.