Former Super Eagles star Peter Odemwingie has stated that, contrary to popular belief, his footballing journey was far from a smooth one.
Born in Uzbekistan to a Russian mother and a Nigerian father, Odemwingie featured for the Super Eagles from 2008 to 2014, making 65 appearances and scoring 11 goals.
The 42-year-old also represented Nigeria's 2008 Olympic team, making six appearances and scoring one goal.
Peter Odemwingie recounts his journey
In a recent Instagram interview with Old Naija Football, Odemwingie recounted his rise from humble beginnings in the ghettos of Nigeria to achieving international success.
“I arrived at Benin City at the age of 17. I saw Pius Ikedia and Julius Aghahowa in training. They were fantastic players, and I learned from them. We had Augustine Eguavoen, who was our General manager at the time, so there were a lot of people to learn from,” Odemwingie said.
“Chukwudi Nwogu played for the U-17 National team at the time, so things like this got me excited about football, and I saw these guys every day. Karimu Shuaibu played for the Eaglets at the World Cup and returned with the kit.
“Those were things that provoked me to work hard, so I saw international people in front of me on a daily basis.”
“I had the first-hand experience of watching these people play at the Ogbe Stadium in the Nigerian league, so that’s why I said if these guys started here and became international and went on to Europe to have careers, I can too.
“So, I followed that path, and I always advise people not to expect things to fall on their table. Some people don’t believe I played in the NPFL.
“I travelled by road to Maiduguri and to all these spots, from the furthest points in the North to Port Harcourt. I scored against Sunshine Stars in Akure and Pepsi Academy in Kaduna. I’ve done it all.
“So, I know all the corners of the elite and the ghettos of football in Nigeria. I played in the Nations Cup in Ajegunle too.”
In a journeyman career that saw him play in England, Russia, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Indonesia, it is worth mentioning that Peter Odemwingie also played for Nigerian clubs AS Racines Lagos and Bendel Insurance.
