Peter Odemwingie reflects on his inspirational football journey, crediting his early experiences and mentors in Nigerian football for shaping his successful international career.
Former Super Eagles forward Osaze Odemwingie has reflected on his time in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), revealing the influential figures he learned from during his time in Benin City.
Speaking in a candid interview, Odemwingie recalled arriving in the city at the age of 17, where he was surrounded by a host of experienced players and coaches.
Former Super Eagles winger Osaze Odemwingie recalls fun memories of his time with ex-internationals Pius Ikedia and Julius Aghahowa and how he learnt from them.
“When I arrived in Benin City at that time, I was 17, you had Harrison Omuko, Chico, our captain, we had Augustine Eguavoen, who was my GM (general manager of Bendel Insurance),’ Odemwingie said.
“We had a good coach, Solomon Ogbeide. So, there were a lot of people to learn from – there was Chukwudi Nworgu as well, he was playing for the under-17 national team at the time.’
Odemwingie speaks on his NPFL journey
The former Premier League star, whose father was Insurance’s team doctor at the time, revealed how being around these esteemed figures daily fueled his passion and drive to work hard and follow in their footsteps.
“These were guys I was learning from. Things like this used to make me so excited about football,” he stated in a video on Twitter.
“So, when I saw those guys regularly, every day, those were things that provoked me to work hard. I saw international people in front of me daily.’
Peter also dispelled any doubts about his Nigerian football pedigree, recalling the gruelling journeys he made across the country to play in the NPFL.
“I travelled by road to Maiduguri, to all these spots from the farthest point in the North to Port Harcourt and those games I played in the Nigerian league, I remember them well, scoring amazing goals against Sunshine Stars in Akure.”
Odemwingie’s reflections paint an intriguing picture of his humble beginnings in the Nigerian game, and the influential figures who helped shape his successful career.
