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’s position
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.”
His comments quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions from fans, athletes, and sports stakeholders.
Inyang Bassey fires back
Among those who disagreed was Inyang Bassey, who responded sharply under Udo-Obong’s post. Bassey argued that Nigeria has misplaced priorities, pointing out the lavish benefits enjoyed by politicians compared to what athletes get after years of national service.
“The government owes governors—who serve for just eight years—life pensions, houses in Abuja and their states, free medical care, new cars every three years, and domestic staff. Yet, a sportsman who serves the country for almost 20 years is denied state burials or any form of immortalisation,” he said.
“It is this warped thinking by Nigerians that makes me believe the country may never move forward. There is nothing wrong in likening sportsmen to soldiers… their sacrifices are also immense.”
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Udo-Obong 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.
This exchange has reignited a long-standing conversation about how Nigeria treats its athletes and national heroes.
While Udo-Obong believes sportspeople owe their country gratitude for the platform to showcase their talents, Bassey and others argue that athletes deserve more recognition, support, and lasting benefits—especially when compared to politicians who serve for far shorter periods.
With the passing of sports legends like Peter Rufai and ongoing struggles faced by retired stars, the debate over how Nigeria values its athletes is unlikely to fade anytime soon.
Tunde Eludini is a graduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria where he studied International Relations. He is a Senior Correspondent coordinating the sports section for PREMIUM TIMES. Twitter: @tundeyeludini
His comments quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions from fans, athletes, and sports stakeholders.
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