By Akinwale Kasali
Enefiok Udo-Obong, an multiple Olympic Medalist, has lashed Taribo West, former Super Eagles Player over his lamentation and criticism of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Federal Government and Lagos State Government for not assisting the Family of late Super Eagles Goalkeeper, Peter Rufai financially during his burial ceremony.
Udo-Obong stated that Nigerian athletes, past and present, are only entitled to respect and recognition for their achievements, not lifetime financial support from the Government.
The former Nigerian athlete made the remarks following criticisms by some former Super Eagles players, including West and Augustine Eguavoen, who accused the government and the NFF of neglecting retired footballers at the service of songs for late Rufai.
In a post shared via Facebook, Udo-Obong dismissed calls for special financial entitlements for athletes, arguing that sportsmen benefited from privileges during their careers.
“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.
Speaking further, the Sydney 2000 Olympic Medalist stated that 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 added.
It would be recalled that Udo-Obong anchored Nigeria’s Men’s 4x400m relay team to Gold at the Sydney 2000 Olympics and also won Bronze in Athens 2004.
In 2024, he was appointed Technical Director of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Athletics Development Programme, after beating competitors from the United States, Britain and Australia.
Before taking up the Saudi role, the 43-year-old served in various capacities in Nigerian athletics, including as Technical Director of the Lagos State Athletics Association.
Discover more from The Source
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
