Two-time Olympic medallist Enefiok Udo-Obong has called for respect and recognition for Nigerian athletes, past and present, rather than demands for lifetime financial benefits from the government.
His comments come in response to recent criticism 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 condemned what they described as government abandonment of players. The NFF later issued a statement dismissing the claims.
In a post on Facebook, Udo-Obong disagreed with Eguavoen’s comparison of athletes with soldiers.
“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,” he wrote.
“The nation owes no sportsman any favour. On the contrary, we owe the country for the opportunity and platform it has given us to showcase our talents and live a life envied by 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 decorated Olympians, having anchored the men’s 4x400m relay team to gold at the Sydney 2000 Games and winning bronze in the same event at Athens 2004.
Now 43, he was appointed Technical Director of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Athletics Development Programme in 2024, after competing with experts from the United States, Britain, and Australia for the role. Before then, he served in several capacities within Nigerian athletics, including as Technical Director of the Lagos State Athletics Association.