Look Beyond Trophies, Medals – Odegbami Counsels A’Ibom Athletes

By Patrick Titus, Uyo

Sports icon and former Green Eagles captain, Chief Segun Odegbami has advised athletes in Akwa Ibom State to look beyond winning trophies and medals during their careers in sports and make good uses of the vast life-changing opportunities available on sports sector to achieve a meaningful life after retirement.

Chief Odegbami who was also a striker for Green Eagles during his playing days, dropped the advised while delivering a lecture during the official presentation of cash prizes to winners of the recently concluded Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival and the 2024 National Youth Games held in Asaba.

The former international footballer stressed the essence of combining education with sports, pointing out that many retired athletes who failed to plan or invest for life after sports are struggling to survive.

“Look at me today. I was involved in active sports for only 10 years. I didn’t win many medals, but because I chose to complete my education, that single decision opened many life-changing opportunities for me,” he said.

“I have been recognized and honoured nationally and internationally. I have been named a Sports Ambassador to many brands and institutions. I didn’t just play football; I pushed myself to understand the business of sports.”

Odegbami hinted that his passion for sports development led to the establishment of The Segun Odegbami International Sports College, which he described as the only sports secondary school in Nigeria.

“My simple message to all athletes is to look beyond trophies and medals. Those diadems are only for a moment, but life after sports is long. If you don’t plan and invest, life after sports could be very difficult,” he posited.

“There are enormous, untapped opportunities in sports education, sports science, sports journalism—photography, videography—sports law, and general sports management. These are areas where one can remain relevant in sports long after active competition.”

Chief Odegbami lauded Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno for his passion, investment, and commitment to sports development in Akwa Ibom State. He also commended the appointment of Elder Paul Bassey as Commissioner for Sports, describing him as capable of driving sports development to greater heights.

The Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey in his welcome address, appreciated Governor Umo Eno for prioritizing the maintenance and upgrading of sports infrastructure in the state, including the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium—Nigeria’s only FIFA-approved stadium—Eket Stadium, the Olympic-size swimming pool at the Uyo Township Stadium, and the Itam Sports Centre, among others.

He further appreciated the Governor for approving the procurement of modern sports equipment for the Ministry and for authorizing the commencement of work at the iconic co-educational Ibom Sports Academy in Eket.

“Your Excellency, these are clear testimonies to your passion for sports development in Akwa Ibom State. Through the ARISE Agenda, you have provided opportunities for our youth, revived grassroots sports, and created pathways to self-realization, empowerment, unity, and sustainable development.

“Through sports, our young men and women can harness their talents, become gainfully employed, live purposeful lives, and inspire future generations.”

He congratulated the athletes, thanked the Governor for fulfilling his promise to them, and urged the beneficiaries to remain good ambassadors of the state.

The high point of the event was the presentation of cheques to athletes who won medals at the Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival and the National Youth Games. The top three local government areas at the festival received cash prizes as follows: Itu Local Government Area – ₦15 million; Uyo Local Government Area – ₦10 million; and Nsit Atai Local Government Area – ₦5 million.

Sports supervisors from all 31 local government areas were also rewarded with ₦200,000 each for their efforts during the festival.