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Udo Obong – Why Nigeria owes no sportsman any favour

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Two-time Olympic medallist, Enefiok Udo-Obong, believes that past and present Nigerian athletes in different sports are entitled to respect and recognition from the country, against the idea of lifetime financial benefits.

Udo-Obong made this remark in the wake of comments by some Nigerian ex-football players, who berated the Nigeria Football Federation and the government for neglecting ex-players.

Former Super Eagles defenders, Taribo West and Austin Eguavoen, spoke at the service of songs for the late goalkeeper, condemning the government for abandoning Rufai.

The Nigeria Football Federation, however, released a statement to counter the claims of the ex-internationals.

“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 won two Olympic medals for Nigeria.

He anchored the men’s 4x400m relay team to gold at the Sydney 2000 Games and also won bronze in the same event at Athens 2004.

In 2024, he joined the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Athletics Development Programme as Technical Director.

He landed the job after a stiff competition with other experts from America, Britain and Australia.

Before then, the 43-year-old functioned at different capacities in Nigerian athletics. He was also prominent as the Technical Director of the Lagos State Athletics Association.

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Man United finalise deal for teenage Colombian midfielder Orozco

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Manchester United have finalised a deal to sign 17-year-old Colombian midfielder Cristian Orozco from Fortaleza CEIF.

The agreement, confirmed by renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on Thursday, will see the young talent join the Red Devils in the summer of 2026 upon turning 18.

According to Romano, all contracts have been approved by United’s lawyers, and the deal was coordinated by lead scout Gerardo Guzmán Antonaccio.

He said on X, “Manchester United have now sealed and signed a deal to bring in 17-year-old Colombian talent Cristian Orozco.

“$1m transfer fee from Fortaleza in a deal valid from summer 2026. #MUFC lawyers approved all the contracts, deal coordinated by lead scout Antonaccio.”

Orozco is a defensive midfielder and captain of Colombia’s Under-17 national team, who has been hailed as a promising talent with strong intensity and potential.

He led his country to the final of the Under-17 South American Championships last year, showcasing his leadership and skills in youth international competitions.

The teenager has made appearances in Colombia’s domestic league with Fortaleza CEIF.

Orozco joins a growing list of young talents at Old Trafford, including recent additions like Sekou Kone and Chido Obi-Martin.

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Victor Osimhen breaks record, becomes Nigeria’s top Champions League goal scorer

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Super Eagles and Galatasaray striker, Victor Osimhen, has become the first Nigerian to score 10 goals in the UEFA Champions League (UCL).

The 26-year-old striker reached the milestone after scoring the lone goal in Galatasaray’s 1-0 win over Liverpool at the RAMS Park on Tuesday night, September 30.

Osimhen converted a penalty kick with Alisson Becker diving the wrong way after Dominic Sobozlai had smacked Barış Alper Yılmaz in the face to concede the penalty.

The goal took Osimhen ahead of Obafemi Martins to become the highest scoring Nigerian in the UCL, excluding qualification matches.

He also became the first Nigerian to score for three different clubs in the UCL. He had earlier scored for Lille and Napoli in the competition.

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Olapade, Okoko shine at Lakowe Golf Classic

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Nigerian golf ace Sunday Olapade won the professional round of the 2025 Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic with a 10-under par score in 54 holes, as the event came to an end on Sunday.

Youngster Godwin Okoko, also made the winner’s list with a third-place finish in the professional round while also leading his amateur team members to be crowned the Team event winners. The members included Ikechukwu Boniface, David Maji, and Frances Omaruaye.

The 2025 event paraded some of the best professional players from West Africa, including Emos Korblah and Barry Yaw from Ghana, Oche Odoh, Kamalu Bako, Gift Willy, Godwin Okoko, Michael Ubi, and Francis Epe.

Olapade’s rounds were 69, 65, and 72 for the three days to beat Korblah with a five-stroke margin and pocket the N5m purse and an additional ARM champion bonus of N2.5m, totaling N7.5m for his victory.

Golf Manager of Lakowe Lakes Golf and Country Estate, Femi Olagbenro, said Olapade had a brilliant spell at the event and came close to breaking the course’s 54-hole record held by Vincent Torgah.

“I believe every player showing up at Lakowe Lakes Golf Club puts in an extra effort to match the pedigree of the course and the tough field that is always on parade at each Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic event.

“This is a very satisfying win, given the effort I have put into my game in the past few months. I have just come back from a training round in Kenya. It’s been a very challenging routine, which is why this is satisfying. I want to thank everyone who has supported me this while, and believe in me.

In the team event, Kingsley Oparaku led the team of Roland Alexander, Terry Paul, and Abe Ayodeji to the runner-up position.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Chairman of Lakowe Lakes Golf Estate Deji Alli said that the game of golf has impacted his person and outlook of business for the Lakowe Lakes project, despite the challenges of running a world-class facility like Lakowe Lakes Golf Club.

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