Nigeria Owes Sportsmen, Women No Favour, Says Olympic Champion Udo-Obong

Monday August 25, 2025
By The NewsDESK |

Olympic gold medallist Enefiok Udo-Obong has stirred a heated debate on social media after saying it is “insulting” to compare playing for Nigeria’s Super Eagles with the sacrifices made by soldiers.

In a Facebook post, the former sprint star reacted to remarks linked to former Super Eagles coach Austin Eguavoen, insisting that the struggles of athletes and soldiers are not the same.

Udo-Obong wrote:

“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 showcase our talents and to 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, who is from Akwa Ibom, is one of Nigeria’s most decorated athletes. He won gold in the men’s 4x400m relay at the Sydney 2000 Olympics and added a bronze medal in Athens 2004.

Beyond his exploits on the track, he has built an impressive career off it:

Served as Chairman of the Nigerian Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission

Worked as the Technical Director of the Lagos State Athletics Association

Appointed Technical Advisor to Saudi Arabia’s Athletics Development Programme
Author of the bestselling motivational book The Silver Lining

Over the years, Udo-Obong has been a strong voice for athlete welfare, youth development, and sports reform in Nigeria and across Africa.