Two-time Olympic medallist, Enefiok Udo-Obong, has said that Nigerian athletes, past and present, deserve respect and recognition rather than lifetime financial entitlements.
Udo-Obong made the remarks following criticisms by some former Super Eagles players, who accused the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the government of neglecting ex-footballers.
At the service of songs for late goalkeeper Peter Rufai, former internationals Taribo West and Austin Eguavoen faulted the authorities for abandoning their colleague. However, the NFF later issued a statement countering their claims.
Reacting to the debate, Udo-Obong wrote on his Facebook page:
“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.
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, 43, is one of Nigeria’s most decorated track athletes. He anchored the men’s 4x400m relay team to gold at the Sydney 2000 Olympics and also won bronze in the same event at Athens 2004.
In 2024, he was appointed Technical Director of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Athletics Development Programme, after competing against experts from the United States, Britain and Australia. Prior to that, he held various positions in Nigerian athletics, including serving as Technical Director of the Lagos State Athletics Association.
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