Nigerian Football
Segun Odegbami: Celebrating a double anniversary of a legendary career
By Kunle Solaja
It is a rare moment in football when one date carries two milestones in a player’s career. Yet, for Segun Odegbami, Nigeria’s iconic right winger fondly known as Mathematical, October 30 stands as a day of double remembrance — the day he scored his first international goal and, exactly five years later, played his last match for Nigeria.
This Thursday, October 30, marks 49 years since his first goal and 44 years since his final cap, both coincidentally achieved in FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The Birth of a Star – October 30, 1976
It was at the National Stadium in Lagos on October 30, 1976, that Odegbami first etched his name into Nigeria’s football history.
The Green Eagles, as the now Super Eagles were known, thrashed Sierra Leone 6–2, with the then 24-year-old Odegbami scoring the opening goal — the first of his 21 goals in 43 appearances for Nigeria.
He was not just a scorer that day; he created two more goals in the match that also marked the international farewell of his IICC Shooting Stars teammate and Africa’s then-best left winger, Kunle Awesu.
That performance sealed Odegbami’s place as Nigeria’s undisputed lead striker — a role he held with distinction for the next five years. From that moment on, he was never invited to camp without earning a place in the starting lineup.
The Curtain Falls – October 30, 1981
Ironically, it was on the same date — October 30, 1981 — that Odegbami played his last international match. Nigeria faced Algeria in Constantine in a World Cup qualifier. Though the encounter ended in disappointment, it symbolically closed a golden chapter for one of the most elegant footballers Africa ever produced.
With 21 goals in 43 matches, Odegbami remains one of Nigeria’s most efficient scorers, boasting a strike rate surpassed by Rashidi Yekini, who netted 37 goals in 60 appearances, Victor Osimhen whose goal tally for Nigeria has risen to 29 in 43 matches.
Dreams Deferred
Despite his brilliance, Odegbami’s international career was shadowed by near misses on the global stage.
He played just 45 minutes at the 1980 Olympic Games against eventual champions, Czechoslovakia before being substituted.
Earlier, he missed the 1976 Montreal Olympics after Nigeria joined the African boycott over apartheid South Africa — a tragic turn for a squad many believed was good enough for a medal.
Two World Cup heartbreaks followed: the infamous 1977 own goal by Godwin Odiye that cost Nigeria a ticket to Argentina ’78, and the failed bid to reach Spain ’82, which ended Odegbami’s international journey.
Mr. Mathematical
The legendary commentator Ernest Okonkwo gave him the nickname Mathematical — a tribute to his precision, timing, and balance on the right flank.
Standing at 1.8 metres, Odegbami was not built like the typical striker of his era. Early critics called him “the sluggish striker,” yet his deceptive pace and clinical delivery made him the nightmare of defenders across Africa.
A graduate of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Odegbami started at Housing Corporation FC before joining IICC Shooting Stars in 1974.
He first played as an inside-left behind Moses Otolorin before being transformed into a blistering right winger — a tactical switch that defined his greatness.
The Turning Point
Odegbami himself often points to that 1976 match against Sierra Leone as the defining moment.
Brought on as a substitute for Baba Otu Mohammed in the first leg in Freetown, he impressed coach Father Tiko, who experimented with him on the rightwing during training.
“Coach Tiko asked me to practice running down the flank and cutting inside toward goal,” Odegbami once recalled. “It worked perfectly in the return leg — and that was how I became a right winger.”
He didn’t just score Nigeria’s opener that day; his crosses created goals for Aloysius Atuegbu and Kelechi Emeteole, heralding the birth of a new attacking era.
Memorable Goals and Matches
Of his 21 goals for Nigeria, Odegbami fondly recalls his equalizer in Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire, during a 1977 World Cup qualifier as his best.
Nigeria came from two goals down to draw 2–2 — a match that showcased his courage and flair.
At club level, he treasures his 1984 African Champions Cup goal against Maghreb Fez of Morocco, a crucial strike that helped Shooting Stars advance 5–2 on aggregate.
There were other unforgettable moments — like the 1977 Challenge Cup final against Raccah Rovers, played on a Sunday morning to beat CAF’s registration deadline.
Odegbami’s goal secured a 1–0 win before chaos erupted, with fans mobbing him and tearing his jersey in jubilation.
Beyond the Pitch
Even at 73, the man from Abeokuta remains a vibrant voice in Nigerian football. His insights on technical, administrative, and political issues in the game are as sharp as his dribbles once were.
Though his attempts to move from the pitch to the boardroom — like Platini and Beckenbauer — haven’t materialized fully, his influence on the sport endures.
Slim, athletic, and still exuding charisma, Odegbami has aged gracefully. His clean-shaven head may hint at time’s passage, but his spirit remains undimmed — the same Mathematical who once danced past defenders with elegant precision.
A Legend’s Legacy
Segun Odegbami’s story is not just one of goals and glory, but of intellect, discipline, and enduring relevance. From his first strike in 1976 to his farewell in 1981, he embodied the beauty of football — skill balanced with thought, artistry guided by purpose.
Forty-eight years on, as Nigeria celebrates his double anniversary, Mr. Mathematical remains a timeless figure — the man who calculated his runs, measured his crosses, and defined an era of Nigerian football that will never be forgotten.
Odegbami’s 21 goals for Nigeria
DATE COMPETITION SCOREBOARD ODEGBAMI’S GOALS October 30, 1976 World Cup qualifier Nigeria 6-2 Sierra Leone 1 goal March 26, 1977 Afcon qualifier Nigeria 2-0 Sierra Leone 2 goals June 25, 1977 Afcon qualifier Nigeria 3-0 Senegal 1 goal July 27, 1977 World Cup qualifier Nigeria 2-2 Cote d’Ivoire 1 goal August 27, 1977 ECOWAS Games Nigeria 2-0 Sierra Leone 2 goals October 8, 1977 World Cup qualifier Nigeria 4-0 Egypt 2 goals January 14, 1978 African Games qualifier Nigeria 7-0 Benin 3 goals January 17, 1978 African Games qualifier Nigeria 2-0 Benin 1 goal March 5, 1978 Africa Cup of Nations Nigeria 4-2 Burkina Faso 2 goals March 8, 1978 Africa Cup of Nations Ghana 1-1 Nigeria 1 goal November 4, 1979 Friendly Nigeria 5-0 Benin 1 goal January 26, 1980 Friendly Nigeria 1-0 Liberia 1 goal March 8, 1980 Africa Cup of Nations Nigeria 3-1 Tanzania 1 goal March 22, 1980 Africa Cup of Nations Nigeria 3-0 Algeria 2 goals
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At the majestic Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, moments before Morocco’s national team dismantled Niger Republic to become the first African team to pick a World Cup qualifying ticket, a banner stretched proudly across the stands: “This time, the trophy is our dream.”
It wasn’t mere fan bravado or dream. It was a declaration rooted in vision, planning, and national purpose — the same qualities that turned Morocco into the first African and Arab country to reach the World Cup semi-finals at Qatar 2022.
It was a statement of purpose that have made Morocco the most progressive football nation in Africa.
While other nations celebrated qualification or occasional victories, Morocco quietly built an empire. From a visionary royal blueprint in 2008 to the creation of the Mohammed VI Football Academy in 2009 and the world-class Mohammed VI Football Center a decade later, Morocco’s rise has been deliberate, scientific, and inclusive.
For many observers, Morocco’s historic run at the 2022 World Cup was an African triumph. But as subsequent developments have shown, Morocco’s rise was no accident of fate or lucky tournament run.
It was the product of deliberate policy, state investment, and institutional consistency — everything Nigeria once had the potential to build, but never quite did.
From Royal Vision to National Revolution
Morocco’s transformation began not on the pitch, but in the palace. In 2008, King Mohammed VI presented a detailed vision for the country’s sports and youth development. It wasn’t rhetoric; it was a roadmap.
By 2009, the Mohammed VI Football Academy was born — a state-of-the-art institution designed to raise homegrown talent to international standards. Players like Azzedine Ounahi, Nayef Aguerd, and Anas Zniti — stars of the 2022 World Cup — all passed through its corridors.
“The academy embodies the philosophy of professionalism and scientific development,” explained Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) and a cabinet minister. “It places the Moroccan player in an environment that matches the best global standards.”
But Morocco’s football revolution didn’t end with players. The system also trained coaches, analysts, referees, and administrators — all nurtured within a unified ecosystem at the Mohammed VI Football Center, opened in 2019. The center stands today as one of the most advanced football facilities in the world.
This institutional backbone has powered Morocco’s domination across Africa: 29 finals reached in recent years, with 25 trophies won across men’s, women’s, and club football.
As Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), puts it on Sky News Arabia’s Counter-Attack Program: “Our success is not by coincidence but the fruit of a strategic vision King Mohammed VI launched in 2008. The national team’s achievements are a continuation of institutional work with clear objectives.”
Beyond the World Cup: Morocco’s Complete Football Ecosystem
The world took notice when Morocco stunned global football by becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals at Qatar 2022.
That historic $25 million prize — the highest ever by any African team — was just one of many rewards of Morocco’s long-term investment in football.
But Morocco’s success does not stop at the national team. The country’s domestic clubs are now benefiting massively from FIFA’s Club Benefits Programme (CBP) — a global scheme that compensates clubs whose players participate in the World Cup.
Eighteen African clubs received a total of $4,569,981.49 from the CBP.
Two Moroccan giants — Wydad Casablanca and Raja Casablanca — took the lion’s share, together earning $1,437,244.58, or nearly a third of the entire continent’s total.
Wydad Casablanca alone pocketed $1,405,305, the highest by any African club.
They were followed by Esperance of Tunisia ($525,620), Al Ahly of Egypt ($420,679), Club Africain ($312,087), and Etoile du Sahel ($262,810) — proof of the dominance of North African clubs with structured domestic systems and player development pathways.
The Moroccan league’s inclusion of home-based players in the national setup is now paying off — both in glory and in dollars.
The Nigerian Paradox: Talent Without Structure
Nigeria’s football story, by contrast, remains one of potential without permanence. The country that once inspired Africa’s football dreams now struggles to define its identity. Africa’s most populous nation, has long been a fountain of raw football talent.
From the golden era of the 1990s to the global exploits of players like Jay-Jay Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, and now Victor Osimhen, Nigerian footballers have dazzled the world.
Yet, despite its vast human resources, Nigeria remains a sleeping giant of world football — powerful in potential, weak in planning.
The Super Eagles may still qualify for the 2026 World Cup — and likely will — but there will be no financial gain for any Nigerian club from the FIFA Club Benefits Programme. Why?
Because all Super Eagles players are sourced from foreign clubs.
No Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) player is close to the national team radar. This means while nations like Morocco, South Africa, Egypt, and Tunisia continue to earn from their investments in domestic football, Nigerian clubs — once nurseries of raw talent — have been reduced to bystanders in global football’s reward structure.
It is an indictment of a system that glorifies imported talent but neglects homegrown development.
Unlike Morocco, Nigeria lacks a unified development system. The domestic league, once vibrant, now suffers from chronic underfunding, administrative instability, poor infrastructure, and minimal media visibility.
Young talents often leave prematurely, not because they’re ready, but because they must escape stagnation at home.
How Morocco Did It — and What Nigeria Can Learn
Morocco’s success didn’t come overnight. It was engineered through planning, political will, and policy alignment.
In 2008, King Mohammed VI issued a National Sports Vision, calling for the integration of sports into national development.
A year later, the Mohammed VI Football Academy opened its doors, producing stars like Azzedine Ounahi, Nayef Aguerd, and Yassine Bounou — names that dazzled the world at Qatar 2022.
By 2019, Morocco inaugurated the Mohammed VI Football Center, one of the world’s most advanced football facilities — a nerve centre for player training, coaching, analytics, and administration. With many playing fields, the centre is the theatre of the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Today, Morocco’s national teams — from the U-17s to the senior level — are all coached by locally trained professionals, graduates of the same system that produced their players. As Lekjaa proudly noted:
“Generation passes to generation. All categories work according to one philosophy. Every player knows his path before reaching the top.”
If Nigeria truly desires to become a football powerhouse — not just in Africa but globally — it must go back to the foundation.
What Nigeria Must Do — Urgently
For Nigeria to become not just an African force but a global football powerhouse, it must learn from Morocco’s disciplined, data-driven model and stop relying on chance and nostalgia.
Here’s what must change:
- Develop a National Football Masterplan — and Enforce It:
Nigeria must adopt a legally backed national sports development framework, binding on successive administrations, with clear funding, timelines, and accountability. - Invest in Youth Academies and Infrastructure:
Each geopolitical zone should host a modern football academy linked to schools and communities — not token facilities, but genuine centres of excellence like Morocco’s. - Reform and Commercialize the NPFL:
A vibrant league is the foundation of a strong national team. The NPFL must become transparent, media-driven, and investor-friendly. Clubs must be empowered to run professionally, not politically. - Empower Local Coaches and Technical Experts:
Nigeria needs to develop its own Walid Regraguis — homegrown tacticians capable of leading at the highest levels, supported by continuous education and exposure. - Integrate Home-Based Players into the National Team:
The gap between the NPFL and the Super Eagles must close. Incentives and structured scouting should ensure the best local players compete for national team slots. - Treat Football as a Socioeconomic Driver:
Morocco’s royal vision turned football into an engine for youth empowerment, national unity, and economic growth. Nigeria must adopt the same approach — seeing football as nation-building, not just recreation.
A Call to Action
The lesson is clear: Morocco built; Nigeria borrowed. Morocco planned; Nigeria hoped.
The result is that Morocco now earns — in prestige, infrastructure, and FIFA dollars — while Nigeria remains a footballing giant in name only.
Dreams do not win trophies. Systems do.
As Morocco continues its ascent — from the World Cup semi-finals to the top of African football and global recognition — Nigeria must ask itself a hard question:
Will it continue outsourcing its football glory to foreign clubs, or finally invest in its own?
Because until Nigeria strengthens its domestic league and empowers its own football ecosystem, the nation will keep watching others — like Morocco — reap both the glory and the rewards of African excellence.
–Kunle Solaja has visited Morocco many times
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Nigerian Football
Beats, Banter and Blessings: Troost-Ekong Lifts the Lid on Super Eagles’ Dressing Room
There are happenings in the Super Eagles’ locker rooms that fans may not have been aware of. Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has lifted the lid on life inside Nigeria’s dressing room — and it sounds like a lively place to be.
In a light-hearted chat with CAFOnline.com, the Al-Kholood defender revealed that Samuel Chukwueze is the squad’s resident DJ, bringing not just music but good vibes wherever the team gathers.
“DJ is usually Samuel Chukwueze — he brings the speaker and great energy,” Troost-Ekong said with a grin.
Faith, too, plays a big role in the team’s bond. According to the captain, both Muslim and Christian prayers take place before matches, with players taking turns to lead.
“We have both Muslim and Christian prayers; different players lead at different times and there’s harmony,” he added.
But when it comes to laughter, a few names stand out. Victor Boniface tops the comedy charts, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali not far behind.
“Victor Boniface makes everyone laugh. Stanley Nwabali can be hilarious too — sometimes you’re not sure if you’re laughing with him or at him,” Troost-Ekong joked.
He also mentioned Raphael Onyedika as another quiet fun-maker in the group, rounding off a mix that keeps the atmosphere light and united.
“We’ve got a real family feeling, and people see that from the outside,” the skipper said.
With music from Chukwueze, jokes from Boniface, and prayers from every corner, it’s no wonder the Super Eagles look so connected — even before they step onto the pitch.
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Nigerian Football
Football, Music, and Street Vibes Light Up Awka at Tiger Street Football Grand Finale
Awka came alive on Saturday night as the first-ever Tiger Street Football Tournament climaxed in a spectacular blend of football, music, and street culture, leaving fans captivated from start to finish.
At the end of a pulsating evening at Newberries Lounge, Peace Warriors emerged as the maiden champions, defeating Peace Ambassadors 3–1 on penalties after a tense goalless draw in regulation time. The Warriors held their composure in the shootout to claim the ₦5 million grand prize, gold medals, and the honour of becoming the inaugural champions of the Tiger Street Football Tournament.
The runners-up, Peace Ambassadors, who matched their opponents stride for stride, received ₦3 million and silver medals, while the losing semi-finalists — Sunday Sparks and Peace Dominion — each went home with ₦1 million and bronze medals for their spirited efforts.
Onyebuchi Patrick of Peace Warriors was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament after scoring three goals and leading his team with flair and determination. His electric performances throughout the competition drew loud cheers from the crowd and earned him special recognition from the organisers.
The semi-final matches earlier in the day provided plenty of drama. Peace Warriors drew 1–1 with Sunday Sparks before edging them 4–3 on penalties, while Peace Ambassadors cruised past Peace Dominion 4–1 to book their place in the final.
Beyond the football, the grand finale turned into a vibrant street festival. Top DJs SkyBlisz, Snow, and Kay.Y kept the crowd moving, while Jerio and dynamic duo Wanni & Handi lit up the stage with energetic live performances. Hype men Twix da Jims and Slymshady added to the excitement, transforming the arena into a night-long celebration of rhythm, courage, and community spirit.
Fans were also treated to local delicacies, chilled Tiger Beer, and raffle draws that saw lucky attendees go home with exciting prizes, adding to the festive atmosphere that engulfed the Awka nightlife.
Speaking after the final whistle, Sarah Agah, Marketing Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, described the tournament as a celebration of Nigerian youth, creativity, and courage.
“What we’ve seen here in Awka goes beyond football — it’s the heartbeat of Nigerian youth,” Agah said. “Tiger Street Football is about recognising the fearless energy that drives our people — their talent, their determination, and their passion. We’re proud to give them a platform to shine. This is just the beginning.”
Spectators were equally impressed. Chinedu Eze, one of the excited fans, said the night was unforgettable.
“It wasn’t just about football — it was about fun, connection, and celebrating our youth,” he said. “Tiger Beer really brought something special to Awka.”
For the champions, the night was a dream come true.
“We all started from the streets where football is played for fun,” said MVP Onyebuchi Patrick. “Kudos to Tiger Beer for creating this opportunity. Winning this in front of our people is something we’ll never forget.”
As fireworks illuminated the Awka sky and Jerio closed the show with a high-energy performance, fans danced, sang, and toasted to what many described as a new dawn for grassroots football in Nigeria.
Organised by Tiger Beer, the Tiger Street Football Tournament proved to be more than a sporting contest — it was a powerful celebration of courage, culture, and community.
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