Golf: Osaze Reveals Nigeria Olympic Dream

Former Super Eagles forward Osaze Odemwingie is dreaming of seeing Nigeria’s flag in the game of golf at the Olympics, as he continues his rise in his new professional path with the hopes of returning to the global sporting stage.
Osaze became a professional golfer in 2019 and graduated from the Professional Golfers Association’s school in June 2024.
The 43-year-old started playing the game towards the end of his time at West Brom in the English Premier League, and with golf having been readmitted to the Olympics in 2016, he wants to see a Nigerian aiming for the pin at the biggest sporting spectacle on earth.
“If I cannot play as a golfer, I can at least be in the team of a golfer who will play there,”
330.6KThis Happened (253) reviews Ojude Oba festival, Nigeria, Ghana facing brain drain, others
“I want to introduce people to the game and build a generation of golfers, from Nigeria in particular, that will participate in the Olympics.”
Osaze was part of Nigeria’s squad that won silver in the Men’s Olympic Football event in Beijing 2008 and further explains the thrills of winning an Olympic medal.
“The medal is very well respected,” he says of his silver, while also referencing the gold medal won by the men’s team in Atlanta in 1996.
“It is a way to sell the project to our state government.”
Beyond the Olympics, he also wants to spread the gospel of golf, by planning meetings with officials and big corporations in Nigeria, hoping to promote the benefits of his new sport and also build an academy in Benin City.
“If we have more golf courses, there will be tourism. Kids can get scholarships in good countries. If somebody sees an opportunity, they can latch on to [it] and give themselves an amazing life.
“It is like any other sport. The earlier you start, you have a chance to become an elite.
“One of my dreams is to see a Nigerian flag on the European Tour or PGA Tour.