Kingsley Obiekwu was a member of Nigeria’s football team that won gold at the 1996 Olympics and former Super Eagles Defender. He has transformed from being a tyre mender, a bus conductor and now to a driver, TANA AIYEJINA writes on Obiekwu’s tough battles of life
On Valentine’s Day, while lovebirds hugged, cuddled and shared beautiful memories, Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games gold medallist Kingsley Obiekwu also hugged the headlines.
On the day, a Facebook user, known simply as Okwuluora, posted on his page the plight of Obiekwu.
“At Abakpa Motor Park, I saw former Super Eagles Defender Kingsley Obiekwu (Shagari Udoji) loading buses and driving Sienna to Nsukka,” Okwuluora wrote on Facebook with a picture of the retired footballer in action for Nigeria.
“I hugged and greeted him then cried like a man. Life can be cruel Yes. He never made it to the highest level, Yes, but where are his teammates. I will tell Kanu Nwankwo about this. They won Olympics together in Atlanta.
“Obiekwu last made headline when his younger brother died in the field of play. A NATIONAL HERO, AN IDOL TO MILLIONS, AN OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALLIST. We can help lift him again If he is willing. That environment is not for him.”
Obiekwu’s life had plunged from enviable Olympic heights to the dusty Abakpa Motor Park, where he now drives a commercial vehicle to earn a living for himself and family.
“Yes, I am a commercial transporter; there is nothing to hide about it. Man has to do what is legal to pay his family bills,” Obiekwu admitted to the News Agency of Nigeria.
“I have four children at the Enugu State University of Technology and my last child is in primary five.
“I have coached Rangers International FC, Ifeanyi Ubah FC, Delta Force FC, Asaba, Giant Brila and also Union Sportif, Krake, Republic of Benin. All of them owe me.”
According to him, he was owed N6m cumulatively from all the clubs he managed.
