'Chukwueze should learn' - Nigerians celebrate Osaze Odemwingie's forgotten Super Eagles magic

Nigerian football fans have taken a heartfelt trip down memory lane to celebrate the often underrated but impactful Super Eagles career of Osaze Odemwingie, a true "proper winger" who left an indelible mark on the national team. 

As the former Premier League star recently turned 44, tributes have poured in online highlighting his dazzling moments and key goals that defined his time with Nigeria.

Odemwingie, born in Tashkent to a Nigerian father and Russian Tatar mother, committed early to representing Nigeria, making his debut at 21 in 2002. 

Over 12 years, he earned 62 caps and scored 11 goals for the Super Eagles, showing his versatility as a winger who could play both flanks and even as a central striker. 

Starting his career domestically with Bendel Insurance before shining in Europe, his agility, quick feet, and sharp finishing earned him recognition both in Africa and abroad.

Fans on social media have highlighted his style and impact with comments like “Proper winger … Chukwueze should learn to do all these… in fact all our wingers” and “If Odemwingie played in this era, he would be worth 100 million pounds, proper winger who could play on both wings and as a nine too.” 

Many recall his consistency, noting, “We went from this guy to an attacker that selects games to play and disappears in big games while his PR machine blames every other person except him.”

Among his memorable moments, Odemwingie treasures his 2014 FIFA World Cup goal against Bosnia, which secured Nigeria’s first World Cup victory since 1998. 

He described it as a special goal dedicated to his son, as also reported by soccernet, completing his personal mission to score in every major tournament for Nigeria, including the Africa Cup of Nations, Olympics, and World Cup. 

His goals at the 2004 AFCON debut against South Africa and the quarter-finals at the 2008 Olympics remain fan favorites.

Odemwingie was known for his impressive work ethic and relentless spirit whichvendeared him to supporters, who remember him as a "cult hero" for the national team.

Despite injuries cutting short his international career after the 2014 World Cup, Odemwingie’s influence as one of Nigeria’s finest forwards endures. 

His legacy is celebrated not just for his goals but for the spirit and skill he brought to the nation’s colours, qualities many believe today’s wingers could learn from in order to rise to his level of excellence. 

Nigerian fans continue to honour Osaze Odemwingie as a true exemplar of the Super Eagles' magic on the wing.