If discuss of teaching the Three Lions and Tremendous Eagles appears fanciful, Odemwingie has a back-up plan to assist him return to the worldwide sporting stage.
With golf having been readmitted to the Olympics in 2016, he desires to see a Nigerian aiming for the pin on the biggest present on Earth.
“If I can’t play as a golfer, I can not less than be within the crew of a golfer who will play there,” he explains.
“I wish to introduce folks to the sport and construct a technology of golfers, from Nigeria particularly, that may take part within the Olympics.”
The previous striker is aware of all in regards to the thrill of the Video games, having been a part of the Nigeria squad that lost the Beijing 2008 final 1-0 to Argentina.
Whereas not each nation values Olympic soccer, Odemwingie says Nigerians see issues otherwise.
“The medal may be very nicely revered,” he says of his silver, whereas additionally referencing the gold medal won by the men’s team in Atlanta in 1996.
“It is a method to promote the challenge to our state authorities.”
As he bids to unfold the gospel of golf, Odemwingie is already planning conferences with officers and massive company names again in his homeland, hoping to advertise the advantages of his new sport.
“If we have now extra golf programs, there might be tourism. Youngsters can get scholarships in good nations.
“If anyone sees a possibility, they’ll latch on to [it] and provides themselves a tremendous life.”
And he’s hoping so as to add his identify to the mission, with future plans for a golf and soccer academy in Benin Metropolis.
“It is like another sport. The sooner you begin, you’ve gotten an opportunity to grow to be an elite.”
For a person who has now operated as an expert in two sports activities, Odemwingie’s golf evangelism shines by means of.
“One in every of my goals is to see a Nigerian flag on the European Tour or PGA Tour.
“Hopefully my story will encourage folks to begin collaborating, encourage dad and mom to take their youngsters and provides them a really feel of golf. I am positive a lot of them will fall in love with the sport identical to I did.”
