International Football
Will Segun Odegbami’s twin anniversary bring luck to Flamingos?
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
Super Flamingos of Nigeria will play their biggest ever match this Sunday since their very first international match on 5 June 2008 in a 7-0 defeat of Guinea in a World Cup qualifying match in Abuja.
Today is their biggest moment ever as they confront Germany in the classification match of the U-17 Women’s World Cup. The match date is coinciding with the twin anniversaries of Segun Odegbami.
It is a rarity for footballers to have double anniversaries in one date. That is not the case with Nigeria’s best ever right winger, Segun Odegbami who has a two-in-one celebration today, Sunday 30 October.
First, it is the 46th anniversary of his scoring the first ever goal for Nigeria when he opened scoring for the then Green Eagles in a 6-2 defeat of Sierra Leone, an occasion that also marked the end of the international career of Afcon 1976 best left winger, Kunle Awesu.
By the time Odegbami rounded up his international career after 43 caps, he had scored 21 goals. His last match for Nigeria was played on 30 October 1981 – 41 years ago today.
It was the October 30, 1976 match that established Odegbami as the undisputed lead striker for Nigeria and his domineering presence in the Nigeria strike force endured for exactly the next five years.
Some years ago, Sports Village Square spoke with him on illustrious career. Hear the legendary striker: “since my coming in as a substitute for Baba Otu Mohammed in the first leg match (played on October 16, 1976), I was never in camp without tasting action.”
He was to play 42 more matches for the national team which he later captained.
In an irony of fate, the same October 30 marked the last time the legendary striker played for Nigeria.
Incidentally, it was also a World Cup qualifying match, this time in Constantine, Algeria in 1981. In his 43 appearances for Nigeria, he scored 21 goals which remains one of the best average for any Nigerian international till date.
It is surpassed only by that of his later date club-mate in the then IICC Shooting Stars, Rashidi Yekini, who scored 37 goals in 60 appearances for Nigeria.
As glorious as Segun Odegbami’s football career was, he sadly did not have adequate playing time to exhibit his skills at global level and out of the continent’s shores, at least, at grade A match level.
He was only able to play for 45 minutes in the 1980 Olympic Games duel with eventual champions, Czechoslovakia in a match Nigeria drew 1-1.
He wore the unfamiliar jersey number 13 and was replaced a minute into the second half by Raccah Rovers’ Shefiu Mohammed.
On three other instances, he was close to playing at such level, but failed. The first instance would have been at the Montreal 1976 Olympics where he was set to blossom before the politically motivated boycott aborted the dream of the then Green Eagles who were believed to be in their best elements, judging from their pre tournament form and the 4-0 defeat of hosts, Canada in a friendly match.
Incidentally, it was the same Montreal Olympics that France’ Michel Platini made his international debut.
Other global figures that used the Montreal Games as springboard of international career are Spanish goalkeeper, Luis Arconada and Mexico’s Hugo Sanchez.
Odegbami’s second miss of featuring at the world level was the agonizing missing of Nigeria from the Argentina 1978 World Cup when an Odegbami inspired Green Eagles suddenly failed at home in their final duel with Tunisia.
No thanks to the famed own goal scored by a hitherto reliable defender, Godwin Odiye. Failure to qualify for Spain ’82 at the last hurdle marked the end of the international career of Odegbami.
Even today, at 70, Odegbami remains as relevant on Nigeria football issues as he was 38 years ago when he played his last competitive match against Zamalek of Egypt in December 1984.
His voice cannot be ignored in any discussion of football matters, be it technical, political or point-blankly, administrative.
He had made several attempts to join the class of Michel Platini and Franz Beckenbauer in transiting from the pitch to the board room.
The inimitable sports commentator, Ernest Okonkwo, nicknamed him “Mathematical” for his wonderful acceleration and precision crosses from the right flank. Standing at 1.8 metres with a leggy stature and looking very lanky, he could not have been anybody’s idea of a perfect striker in those days.
Just few notable Nigerian strikers before him had that almost fragile stature. But he rose to be acknowledged as a continental soccer icon. What impact did his tall physique had not his skill?
“They used to call me sluggish striker,” he said while recalling his humble beginning as a club player in Ibadan, where he attended The Polytechnic, Ibadan and featured for Housing Corporation before his skills attracted attention from the bigger IICC Shooting Stars in 1974.
At the time, he was an inside left player often in jersey number 10 and a support striker playing behind the thunderbolt-shot gifted Moses Otolorin.
Truly, on account of his stature, just like that of the later-day Nwankwo Kanu, he would need space to get perfect control of the ball.
But the tip-tap football that the Shooting Stars were noted for at the time, as opposed to that of kick and rush of Enugu Rangers, seemed okay for the sluggish offensive.
At least that was good enough for him for his skills to be noted when as a member of the Western State team to the inaugural National Sports Festival in 1973, he was on of the 33 players invited to the national team under German coach, Othman Caldrer, in 1974.
He was merely like a snake that moved on rocks without leaving a mark. It would take another 48 months for Odegbami to get to national prominence.
On account of academic pursuit, he agonizingly missed the final match of the 1975 Challenge when IICC Shooting Stars lost 1-0 to Enugu Rangers.
Transformation to speedy striker
Segun Odegbami will also point to any inquisitive journalist that the match against Sierra Leone was the turning point in his international career.
According to Odegbami, who was on the reserve bench in the first leg match in Freetown, before he was brought in to replace Baba Otu Mohammed, the plan of the coach was to bring him in as a substitute for Sylvester Oriakhy.
But the plans changed following the drop in form of Baba Otu Mohammed who was featuring on the right wing.
Odegbami was brought in in the 42nd minute to replace him and he was quite impressive. Some years ago he told Sports Village Square the story. “During the training sessions for the return leg, Coach Father Tiko discovered I could be effective on the right wing.
“He instructed me to practice running down the flank and then pulled out towards the goal. I did this several times during the training sessions and it proved effective in the match”, remarked Odegbami.
He did not just opened scoring in the 25th minute of the match, his other crosses after leaving the left rear guards of the Sierra Leoneans stranded led to Alloysius Atuegbu scoring a brace and Kelechi Emeteole scoring another goal.
For the records, the opening goal was the first of Odegbami’s 21 international goals. From that moment, he became the speedy right winger whose effectiveness for both the national team as well as his club, the Shooting Stars, remains unrivaled till today.
Of his goals in international matches, Odegbami rates the goal he scored in Bouake against Côte d’Ivoire in a July 27, 1977 World Cup qualifier as his best. The goal was the first for Nigeria in a 2-2 draw as the Green Eagles rallied from two-goal deficit.
Left winger, Adokiye Amiesimaka leveled up for Nigeria almost in the same fashion that Odegbami scored the first goal. At the club level, Odegbami rated the goal he scored for Shooting Stars against Magrebh Fez of Morocco in the 1-1 drawn quarter finals of the 1984 Africa Cup of Champions Clubs as his best.
Shooting Stars won the return leg 4-1 in Ibadan to advance 5-2 on aggregate. Recalling some of the memorable moments he had in his playing days, Odegbami spoke of the odd timing of the 1977 Challenge Cup final match of IICC Shooting Stars and the defunct Raccah Rovers of Kano that was played Sunday morning to enable Nigeria beat the CAF deadline for registration for the 1978 Africa Cup Winners competition. Shooting Stars won the ill-tempered match 1-0 from an Odegbami’s goal which Rovers’ officials were to contest much later after match had restarted.
Rovers’ players later walked off the pitch. According to Odegbami, he was mobbed by admirers who stripped almost to his under wears as team inches its way back to Sam Shonibare Street, Surulere where it lodged.
Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has expressed deep appreciation to Nigerians at home and across the diaspora as he prepares to make his 100th appearance for the national team in Wednesday’s international friendly against Portugal in Leiria.
The Fulham star, who will become only the fourth Nigerian player to reach the century mark in international appearances, said he remains proud of his decision to represent Nigeria despite having featured for England at youth level.
“I am proud to be where I am today; proud to wear the green-and-white,” Iwobi said. “I am grateful to everyone, including the coach who called me up to the team for the first time. I have no regrets choosing Nigeria.”
Iwobi made his senior debut for Nigeria on October 8, 2015, in a friendly match against DR Congo in Visé, Belgium. Incidentally, it remains a notable date in Nigerian football history. October 8 marks the anniversary of Nigeria’s first-ever international match, and over the decades, it has often brought good fortune to the national team. The defeat to DR Congo was only the second loss Nigeria had suffered on that date in 77 years of international football.
Remarkably, 128 months after that debut, Iwobi—nephew of Nigerian football icon Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha—is set to celebrate his 100th cap in another friendly match on European soil.
Reflecting on the journey that has taken him from a promising youngster to one of Nigeria’s most experienced internationals, the 30-year-old revealed that he always felt a strong connection to his roots.
“I first went to the Nigeria U23 team camp and felt at home. I had represented England at youth level but always felt Nigeria was home,” he explained. “My father always told me to go out there and enjoy my football, and make the decision that I felt was good for me. He was part of the decision, but he didn’t force it down on me.”
Despite reaching a milestone achieved by only a select few Nigerian players, Iwobi remains humble about his place in the game’s history.
“After 10 years and eight months, I won’t say I am a legend; I only see myself as a Super Eagles player. It feels great to be looking at a 100th cap and, on a lighter note, I wish I could add another 100 caps. I have enjoyed my time with the Super Eagles.”
Among his many memories in national colours, Iwobi singled out his decisive goal against Zambia in Uyo in October 2017 as the most memorable moment of his international career. The strike sealed Nigeria’s qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
“I loved the occasion because my dad and my mum were both at the stadium and saw it all, and we celebrated together afterwards. It was an exciting moment,” he recalled.
While he acknowledged that winning the Africa Cup of Nations and featuring at the 2026 FIFA World Cup would have further enriched his career, he remains content with his journey.
“Yes, I would have loved to win the AFCON and perhaps be with the Eagles at the FIFA World Cup that is about to kick off in a few days, but no regrets.”
Iwobi’s father, Barrister Chuka Iwobi, described the family’s pride in the midfielder’s achievement and thanked Nigeria for the opportunity afforded his son.
“We remain ever grateful to the nation for the opportunity Alex has been given,” he said. “When he made his debut in 2015, little did we know that this was the beginning of an amazing and incredible journey which would lead to him achieving the milestone of a hundred caps and with the potential of many more caps to come.”
He praised his son’s commitment to the national team, adding: “Alex loves playing for the nation and always gives his best. No one can ever question his commitment, devotion and patriotism while wearing the green-and-white. There have been highs and lows over the years, but he has emerged stronger from the experience of playing for the country.”
Iwobi’s international career has seen him feature at four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, winning a silver medal in 2023 and bronze medals in 2019 and 2025. He also represented Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
His impending 100th cap places him in an elite group of Nigerian footballers. Former captain Joseph Yobo was the first Super Eagles player to reach the milestone, doing so during Nigeria’s Round of 16 clash against France at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama followed, earning his 100th cap in a friendly match against Uganda in Uyo.
Current captain Ahmed Musa became the third member of the exclusive club in 2021, with his landmark appearance coming in Nigeria’s victory over the Central African Republic in Yaoundé, Cameroon—a feat made even more memorable by the team’s victory on the occasion.
Now, as he prepares to join that distinguished company, Iwobi will hope to mark the occasion with a memorable performance and a victory against Portugal, adding another proud chapter to an international career spanning more than a decade and defined by consistency, commitment and unwavering loyalty to the green-and-white colours of Nigeria.
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International Football
Eriksen Suffers Fresh Collapse During Denmark Friendly, Reviving Memories of Euro 2020 Ordeal
Denmark’s football community was left shaken once again on Sunday after midfielder Christian Eriksen collapsed during an international friendly against Ukraine, five years after his dramatic cardiac arrest during the European Championship.
The 34-year-old playmaker fell to the turf 20 minutes into the second half of Denmark’s friendly match against Ukraine, prompting immediate concern among players, officials and supporters who recalled the harrowing scenes from Euro 2020.
The Danish Football Association (DBU) later reassured fans that Eriksen was conscious and in stable condition.
“Christian Eriksen is conscious and is doing well under the circumstances,” the federation said in a statement posted on the social media platform X, confirming that the match had been abandoned.
Television footage showed Eriksen clutching his chest moments before collapsing, triggering a swift response from medical personnel. As had happened during Denmark’s European Championship match against Finland in Copenhagen in 2021, players from both teams quickly formed a protective ring around him while medics attended to him on the pitch.
Eriksen was eventually able to walk unaided to an ambulance before being transported to hospital for further examination.
DBU doctor Morten Boesen said the midfielder had recovered consciousness quickly and was communicating normally.
“Christian is doing well and walked from the field himself. As I see it, the pacemaker is working as it should,” Boesen told Danish media.
“He was briefly gone, but very quickly regained consciousness, and we were quickly in contact with him. He will now be examined further in the hospital to find out what caused the incident.”
Boesen added that Eriksen had asked him to reassure teammates that he was okay.
The incident inevitably revived memories of June 12, 2021, when Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest during Denmark’s opening match of the European Championship against Finland. On that occasion, medical staff performed life-saving CPR on the field before he was rushed to hospital.
Following the incident, Eriksen was fitted with an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD), a device designed to monitor heart rhythms and deliver corrective electrical impulses when necessary. He subsequently resumed his professional career and returned to international football, becoming an inspirational figure in the sport.
Denmark captain Pierre-Emile Højbjerg described the shock felt by players as they witnessed Sunday’s incident unfold.
“There is a throw-in, and then I go out to the side and turn around, and I see Christian on his way to the floor,” Højbjerg told Danish broadcaster TV2.
“Everyone reacted super-fast and with respect. I can only compliment the courage shown by those who took care of Christian on the field. The most important thing is that Christian is doing well.”
At the time the match was halted, Denmark were leading Ukraine 2-1. Neither nation qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
After officials called off the game, players and coaching staff from both teams gathered arm in arm in a circle at midfield in a show of solidarity.
Denmark coach Brian Riemer praised the dignified response of everyone involved.
“The most important thing is that Christian is doing well, and he has sent his regards to the players,” Riemer said.
“Now it’s about us standing together, as you could see that we did in the most dignified way on the field. It is about supporting one another and ensuring that everyone has a shoulder to lean on.”
As Danish football awaits further medical updates, Sunday’s events served as a stark reminder of one of the sport’s most frightening moments and highlighted once again the unity and compassion that can emerge in times of crisis.
By Kunle Solaja.
This Wednesday’s international friendly between Nigeria and Poland offers both nations a chance to begin rebuilding after narrowly missing out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Super Eagles and the White-Reds both fell at the final hurdle of their respective playoff campaigns, leaving them with unfinished business as they prepare to meet in Warsaw.
Nigeria reached the African playoff final after overcoming Gabon but suffered heartbreak in a penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo. Poland’s hopes were dashed in equally dramatic fashion as they defeated Albania before losing 3-2 to Sweden in the UEFA playoff final.
With World Cup dreams postponed, both sides are now focused on laying foundations for future competitions.
Both have met just once in the past, with Nigeria famously snatching a 1-0 win in a March 2018 friendly match. Victor Moses ’ 61st-minute penalty kick goal was the decider in the match in which Robert Lewandowski captained the Polish side.
For Nigeria, Wednesday’s match also presents an opportunity to maintain momentum after an encouraging run of results under Eric Chelle. The Super Eagles arrive in Warsaw unbeaten in their last five matches, including convincing victories over Zimbabwe and Jamaica en route to retaining the Unity Cup.
Poland’s recent form has been less convincing. Following a 2-2 friendly victory over Malta and a playoff win against Albania, they have suffered defeats to Sweden and Ukraine.
The match will also revive memories of the nations’ only previous meeting in March 2018, when Victor Moses’ penalty secured a 1-0 victory for Nigeria in Wroclaw ahead of the FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Seven years later, both teams meet again under different circumstances but with the same objective — restoring confidence and building momentum for the future.
NIGERIA’S LAST FIVE MATCHES
Egypt 0 Nigeria 0 (AFCON third-place match: 17/01/26) – Nigeria win after penalty shootout
Iran I Nigeria 2 (International Friendly: 27/03/26)
Jordan 2 Nigeria 2 (International Friendly: 31/03/26)
Nigeria 2 Zimbabwe 0 (Unity Cup 2026: 26/05/26)
Jamaica 0 Nigeria 3 (Unity Cup 2026: 30/05/26)
POLAND’S LAST FIVE MATCHES
Poland 1 Netherlands 1 (2026 World Cup Qualifier: 14/11/25)
Malta 2 Poland 3 (2026 World Cup Qualifier: 17/11/25)
Poland 2 Albania 1 (2026 World Cup Playoff: 26/03/26)
Sweden 3 Poland 2 (2026 World Cup Playoff: 31/03/26)
Poland 0 Ukraine 2 (International Friendly: 31/05/26)
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