Dunamis Icon has congratulated Enefiok Udo-Obong on his recent award of the Confederation of Africa Athletics (CAA) Technical Official of the year, 2025.
Udo-Obong, a member of the Nigeria Olympic gold winning quartet at the Sydney 2000 Olympic games, was conferred with the honour last week for his remarkable role in overseeing the Technical management of the U-18 and U-20 combined champions in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, the Chairman of Dunamis Icon described the honour as well deserving and urged Udo-Obong to consider the award as a challenge to spur him to global achievement.
Dunamis Icon are the franchise owners of the Niger Delta Games and organised the very first edition in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State from April 1-8.
“Having worked closely with Enee during the first Niger Delta Sports Festival in Uyo, his emergence as the best on the continent did not come as a surprise.
“I observed from close range his professionalism and attention to details when he worked with my team at Dunamis Icon as the Technical Director of the Niger Delta Sports Festival. We scored very high in technical organisation of the event, thanks to his dedication and energy”, noted Ikpokpo, who chairs the Delta State Athletics Association.
CAA attributed the successful coordination and execution of the Africa U-18 and U-20 combined championship to his remarkable technical expertise and organisational abilities.
Udo-Obong also served as the Technical Director of the Asian U-18 and U-20 Athletics championship in March, 2025 in Saudi Arabia where he works as Technical Consultant to the Kingdom’s Athletics Federation.
ENEFIOK Udo-Obong, Technical Advisor for Athletics Development to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has been talking about how he landed the mouth-watering job ahead of specialists from the United States of America and United Kingdom (U.K).
The Olympic gold medalist and former Technical Director of Lagos State Athletics Association (LSAA) said he had to contend with three athletics managers from the U.S and U.K in the final stages of the interviews for the coveted job.
He said what swung the rope to his side was his years of toiling with children and teenagers in Lagos State.
“I was among the five finalists that were first shortlisted at a stage of the interview and among them are three coaches from the U.S and U.K and Australia. They all came highly experienced and recommended but two of us were picked for the final interview; a trainer from U.K and myself.
“I was told that they want me because of the work I was doing in Lagos state. They said Lagos state with over 20 million people and many youths is like their country and my work with children and teenagers impressed them. So, I’m so grateful for the opportunity given me by the state. I’m not from here but from the beginning the chairman told me to go and do my thing. There was no pressure and when I said I wanted to work with genuine kids they said fine go on.”
Speaking in Lagos before departing for Saudi Arabia, the writer, trainer and youth developer, said, he would always be available to support athletics development in Lagos and Nigeria in extension.
“I stand here to say that this my new role will rub off on the state that I’ve served for three and half years, and in extension the country because that is one of the things I put up with Saudi Arabia Athletics on how both countries can mutually benefit from each other.
“We all see what Saudi Arabia is doing in football and the fact that they are bidding to host the Olympics games in 2036. I am happy that I have this opportunity to be part of their success story.”
Nigeria has a proud history of exporting athletes, but few coaches, making Udo-Obong to join the short list of Africans to lead a foreign country’s sporting federation, breaking barriers and paving the way for opportunities.
Udo-Obong, known for his spectacular race at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, will now bring his expertise to Saudi Arabia. He emphasized the importance of continuous self-development for coaches, highlighting the success of Nigerian coaches like Lateef Ogungbesan, Taiwo Ariyo and Michael Emenalo working abroad.
Emenalo is Saudi Pro League Director of Football, and Enefiok said he would be glad to take tips from him. “I would definitely look him up when I get to Saudi. I’m inspired knowing that he’s there doing what I would be doing in athletics for their football.”
Enefiok is not anxious about the state of Saudi athletics in the world, “Look at what Saudi is doing in football, where they started and where they are now within a short time. That is what is inspiring me and soon we would be rubbing shoulders in the sprint with countries like Nigeria. I’m optimistic.”
Looking ahead, Udo-Obong aims to elevate Saudi Arabian athletes, preparing them for the 1932 Olympics while targeting multiple Olympians in the coming years.
Despite concerns about Nigeria’s readiness for the upcoming Paris Olympics, Udo-Obong remains optimistic about medal prospects. With top athletes like Tobi Amusan and Ese Brume leading the charge, he believes Nigeria can secure at least three medals. Recognizing the challenges in team preparation and selection, he urges a realistic approach to expectations, emphasizing the young team’s potential.
Udo-Obong’s illustrious career, which includes two Olympic medals and numerous accolades, has now led him to Saudi Arabia. With a wealth of experience and a passion for sports development, he continues to make a mark on the global athletic stage.
Udo-Obong boasts an impressive track record. He won gold at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and bronze at the 2004 Athens Olympics, cementing his status as a legend in the world of athletics.
In his new role, Udo-Obong will leverage his expertise to chart a new course for Saudi Arabian athletics. His appointment is seen as a significant step forward for the country’s sports development, as it seeks to nurture talented athletes and host international sporting events.
