Tag: Udo-Obong

• By Daniel Oyekan with Agency Reports

Sydney 2000 Olympic gold medallist and celebrated Nigerian sprinter, Enefiok Udo-Obong, has been honoured by the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) as the Technical Official of the Year 2025.

The recognition comes as a reward for his outstanding contribution to athletics administration and technical excellence across the continent. Udo-Obong’s impressive leadership as Technical Director at the 3rd African U18 and U20 Combined Athletics Championships held earlier this year in Abeokuta, Nigeria, played a pivotal role in the successful organisation of the event, which featured athletes from several African countries.

According to the CAA, the Nigerian’s exceptional technical expertise, professionalism, and commitment to innovation stood out as key factors in his selection for the continental honour.

Beyond his achievements in Abeokuta, Udo-Obong also served as Technical Director of the 1^st  Niger Delta Games, where his strategic input was crucial to the smooth inauguration of the regional multi-sport festival earlier this year. His growing global influence was further reinforced with his appointment as Technical Director of the Asian U18 and U20 Championships held in Saudi Arabia in March 2025, where he equally served as a Technical Development Adviser.

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A household name in Nigerian athletics, Udo-Obong remains best remembered for anchoring Nigeria’s men’s 4x400m relay team to gold at the Sydney 2000 Olympics and bronze at the Athens 2004 Olympics. His transition from elite athlete to accomplished administrator has earned him wide respect within and beyond the continent.

In addition to his exploits on the track, Udo-Obong has distinguished himself as an author, sports reform advocate, and athlete development consultant, with years of service to sports governance and capacity building across Africa.

The CAA’s recognition, industry experts say, not only reaffirms Udo-Obong’s rising profile in global athletics administration but also celebrates his enduring legacy as one of Africa’s most versatile and influential figures in sports.

A thrilled Enefiok Udo-Obong, Olympic gold medalist and new Technical Adviser for Athletics Development to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, said his new role will impact Nigeria’s athletics positively.

Speaking in Lagos yesterday during a send-forth ceremony put together by the Lagos State Athletics Association for their erstwhile Technical Director, he 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.”  

Udo-Obong beat off contenders from the United States of America, and Britain to get the coveted seat.     

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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.

With a wealth of experience in global athletics, he is well-equipped to lead Saudi Arabia’s efforts to develop its athletic programs.

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.