Double Olympic medal winner Enefiok Udo-Obong has stated that both current and retired Nigerian athletes in all sporting disciplines deserve appreciation and acknowledgment from the nation, rather than being guaranteed lifetime financial handouts.
His position followed criticism from some former Nigerian footballers, who recently accused the Nigeria Football Federation and the federal government of abandoning ex-players.
During the funeral rites of late goalkeeper Peter Rufai, former Super Eagles defenders Taribo West and Austin Eguavoen openly faulted the authorities, saying the shot-stopper had been neglected.
The Nigeria Football Federation later issued a press release disputing those allegations.
“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 via Facebook.
“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 remains one of Nigeria’s most accomplished track stars, having earned two medals at the Olympic Games. He anchored the men’s 4x400m relay team to gold at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, before returning four years later to claim bronze in Athens 2004.
In 2024, he secured the role of Technical Director for Saudi Arabia’s Athletics Development Project, prevailing in a selection process that included competitors from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Prior to his move abroad, the 43-year-old contributed extensively to Nigerian athletics in different roles, including serving as Technical Director of the Lagos State Athletics Association.
