Retired Nigerian professional footballer Osaze Odemwingie has transitioned into a career as a professional golfer after graduating from the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) school.
The PGA announced this development in a post on X, featuring a video from Odemwingie’s graduation.
The post highlighted Odemwingie’s notable football career, including over 30 Premier League goals for West Bromwich Albion and his stints with Cardiff City and Stoke City.
He also represented Nigeria in two World Cups and won an Olympic medal in 2008.
In a statement on the PGA website, Odemwingie expressed his pride in achieving this milestone.
“I’m proud because I challenged myself not only to apply effort in a sport but also academically. It’s motivating being around people who have the drive to achieve and get this PGA Member badge on your chest! I hope my story motivates people to follow suit, whether that’s through the PGA or any other form of study.”
Odemwingie plans to leverage his new status to promote golf in Nigeria and Russia, countries known for producing top football talent but with untapped potential in golf.
“These are very sporting nations, but they don’t have golfers representing them on the world stage, which is a shame,” he stated.
Now that he has completed his studies, Odemwingie aims to organize golf tournaments in Nigeria with substantial prize money to boost the sport’s popularity.
“Hopefully, now with my status as a PGA Professional, it will open doors and people will take it seriously, and from there, you go step by step towards your goals,” he added.
Odemwingie, who retired from football at the age of 37, made his Super Eagles debut in 2002, scoring 11 international goals in 65 matches for the Nigerian national team.
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