Two-time Olympic medalist, Enefiok Udo-Obong, has said that Nigerian athletes deserve respect and recognition for their achievements, but not lifetime financial benefits, while reacting to complaints by some ex-footballers who accused the government of neglect.

Udo-Obong, who anchored Nigeria’s 4x400m relay team to Olympic gold at Sydney 2000 and later claimed bronze in Athens 2004, spoke in reaction to recent criticisms from former Super Eagles players.

At Peter Rufai’s service of songs, Taribo West and Austin Eguavoen accused the NFF and government of neglecting ex-players, but Enefiok Udo-Obong countered, saying athletes owe the nation gratitude.

In a Facebook post, he called it “insulting” to compare footballers to soldiers, arguing that while athletes enjoy fame and comfort, soldiers risk their lives for the country’s peace. According to him, what athletes truly deserve is respect and recognition for their hard work, not state-sponsored pensions.

Now 43, Udo-Obong is the Technical Director of Saudi Arabia’s Athletics Development Programme, a role he earned after competing against top experts from the U.S., U.K., and Australia. He previously held the same position with the Lagos State Athletics Association and played a key role in advancing athletics in Nigeria.