Segun Odegbami, former Green Eagles captain has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his commitment to sports development, describing his administration as the most supportive of Nigerian sports since 1979.
Odegbami, who stated this while fielding questions at The Platform Lagos, a thought-leadership forum themed, “Rebuilding Our Nation”, said that sports hold a “spiritual power that can unify the country, transform lives, and cut across every sector of development.”
Odegbami explained that the country’s bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games is in the right direction, adding that sports have become a good tool in reshaping the society as evidenced in many climes.
“With the preparations taking seven years and what it impacts cutting across the whole spectrum of life, we need to take sport more seriously.
“The power in it is almost spiritual. When a goal is scored, it’s just a goal, but the whole country celebrates as if it’s a victory for everyone. That is power we must convert into something positive,” the 1980 AFCON winner said.
While describing sport as more than just entertainment, the former Nigerian international noted its influence on health, agriculture, engineering, law, and the media. He, however, lamented that Nigeria has continued to underutilize this vast potential.
Odegbami explained that the country’s bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games is in the right direction, adding sports have become a good tool in reshaping the society as evidenced in many climes, just as he also acknowledged past failures such as the “reckless spending” on the 2003 African Games, but expressed optimism under the current administration.
“I have seen that President Tinubu has injected more money than any other president since 1979 into sports,” he said. “He has brought in two young people(leadership of the National Sports Commission in Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade), with a vision we can identify with. If they put in place a proper board with respected Nigerians, there is a very good possibility that the Commonwealth Games could open up opportunities such as we never had before.”
Beyond sports development, Odegbami also reflected on Nigeria’s broader potential, urging citizens to believe in the country’s ability to lead Africa and the world.
“Nigeria could be the greatest country in the worldThe evidence is all around us. Afro musicians are dominating the world, and the future belongs to Africa. We must believe it can be done, ” Odegbami, who earned the nickname ‘Mathematical’ for his precision in front of the goal post and brilliant style of play during his playing days, declared.
As Nigeria marks 65 years of independence, Odegbami also called on Nigerians to rally behind the Super Eagles ahead of their World Cup qualifiers.
“It is unthinkable that in the past two years we have produced the two greatest players in Africa, yet we cannot qualify for the World Cup. Let’s support the Super Eagles. Let’s believe in them,” Odegbami said.
