Segun Odegbami Former Nigerian footballer, striker. Date of Birth: 27.08.1952 Country: Nigeria

1. Segun Odegbami: A Nigerian Footballing Legend
2. International Career Highlights
3. Failed World Cup Hopes and Disappointments
4. Captaincy and Olympic Failures
5. Club Success and Retirement

Segun Odegbami: A Nigerian Footballing Legend

Born in Lagos but raised in Jos, Segun Odegbami began his football career in 1970 with Shooting Stars F.C. in Ibadan. He quickly rose to prominence, becoming a key player and helping the club win the 1976 African Cup Winners' Cup, becoming the first Nigerian club to win a continental title.

International Career Highlights

Odegbami made his international debut for Nigeria in 1976, eventually playing 46 matches and scoring 23 goals, making him the second-highest goalscorer in the history of the Super Eagles. He played a crucial role in Nigeria's first-ever Africa Cup of Nations triumph in 1980, scoring two goals in the final against Algeria.

Failed World Cup Hopes and Disappointments

Despite his success at international level, Odegbami's World Cup hopes were dashed in the 1978 and 1982 qualification campaigns. Nigeria narrowly missed out on qualification for the 1978 World Cup after an unfortunate own goal, while they lost to Algeria in the 1982 qualifiers.

Captaincy and Olympic Failures

Odegbami captained Nigeria at the 1980 Olympics in Moscow, but the team failed to win a single match. He also captained the team in the 1982 World Cup qualifiers, but his final appearance for the Super Eagles was in a loss to Algeria in 1981.

Club Success and Retirement

Odegbami continued to play for Shooting Stars until 1984, helping them win the Nigerian Cup in 1979 and the national championship in 1980. After retiring, he became a writer, sports journalist, and football commentator. He also led the national committee that supported Nigeria's bid to host the 2010 World Cup.