Udo-Obong insists athletes deserve recognition, not lifetime government benefits.

Two-time Olympic medallist Enefiok Udo-Obong has said that Nigerian athletes, both past and present, should be accorded respect and recognition for their contributions to sports, rather than expect lifetime financial benefits from the government.

CBI News reports that Udo-Obong’s remarks came in response to calls by some ex-Super Eagles players, who accused the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the federal government of neglecting retired footballers.

The criticism surfaced during the service of songs for late former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, where former internationals Taribo West and Austin Eguavoen condemned the treatment of past players.

While the NFF has since issued a statement countering those claims, Udo-Obong, writing on Facebook, insisted that it was wrong for former athletes to demand financial assistance from the country.

“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.

“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.”

CBI News recalls that Udo-Obong remains one of Nigeria’s most celebrated athletes, having won gold in the men’s 4x400m relay at the Sydney 2000 Olympics and bronze in Athens 2004.

In 2024, he was appointed Technical Director of Saudi Arabia’s Athletics Development Programme, after competing for the role against experts from the United States, Britain, and Australia.

He previously served as Technical Director of the Lagos State Athletics Association.