
After retiring from football in 2018, Osaze Odemwingie is now focused on developing the Golf sport in Nigeria with hopes of inspiring a new generation of Nigerian golfers.
Since hanging up his boots, the former Lokomotiv Moscow striker has pursued a professional golfing course and became a certified player last year, after graduating from the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) school in June 2024. He believes the return of golf to the Olympics in 2016 provides a unique chance for Nigeria.
In an interview with BBC Africa, Odemwingie expressed his desire to make Golf a mainstream sport in the country with the help of parents and their kids, presenting them with the opportunity to perform at the Olympics in the sport.
“My dream is to have the Nigerian flag on the elite level of golf. On the tour, I see all the flags there, but not Nigeria’s. No, something needs to be done. Participation in golf has grown in the last few years, and I’m sure it will become more competitive just like football has been over the years,” Odemwingie said.
“It’s not as accessible in poorer nations like the developed side, but it’s getting better and hopefully, my story will encourage people to start participating. Encourage parents to take their kids to get a feel of golf and I’m sure many of them will fall in love with the game like I did.
“I think a lot of people just need an opportunity. Once the opportunities are there, we know ourselves, Nigerians. If you give them an opportunity, they usually take it. Go and try. Get a club, where you can take huge golf shots and I’m sure when you hit it well, you’ll want to come back.
“I want to introduce golf to people and help build a new generation of golfers from Nigeria who will one day compete in the Olympics,” he said.
The 43-year-old, in his playing days in the English Premier League, scored 61 top-flight goals across three clubs in Stoke City, West Bromwich Albion and Cardiff City.
Now, Osaze Odemwingie hopes his involvement in the sport (which isn’t famous in Nigeria) will inspire the younger generation to follow his footsteps.