Ex-Super Eagles star Odemwingie is turning professional golfer

Former Super Eagles Star, Peter Odemwingie is now a professional golfer after graduating from golf school.

Professional Golfers Association (PGA) announced the admission of Odemwingie to its ranks on Tuesday.

“It’s motivating to be around people who have the drive to achieve and get this PGA Member badge on your chest!” Odemwingie told the PGA’s official website.

The association is the body that organizes trips for professional golfers all over the world.

Speaking about his induction, the former Super Eagles forward said he fell in love with golf during the last days of his football career.

He highlighted the difficulty of adapting to the “loneliness” of golf after a career in a “group sport.”

“I am very proud of myself and of my friends who are also graduating today. It’s a long journey. I fell in love with the game,” Odemwingie said.

Adding, “As an amateur, I play a lot of pro-ams. I come from a football background. I had a career at a decent level in a group sport. Now that I’m playing a different sport, golf can sometimes be lonely – just you and your caddy, if you have one.

“And given what the PGA pros like, I passed the playing skills test, was accepted into the program and was just as excited that day as I am today.”

Born in Uzbekistan to a Russian mother and a Nigerian father, Odemwingie made his Super Eagles debut in 2002 and played 63 games for the men’s national team.

He played for Nigeria at the 2014 World Cup, scoring in the group stage against Bosnia-Hezergovania to secure the country’s promotion to the round of 16.

Odemwingie started his football career with Bendel Insurance before moving to Europe with La Louvre FC, then Lille and Lokomotiv Moscow.

He then joined West Brom, Cardiff City and Stoke City in the English Premier League (EPL).

Odemwingie retired from football in 2019.