Peter Odemwingie: Former Super Eagles striker becomes professional golfer

After a illustrious 19-year professional football career, Peter Odemwingie has successfully transitioned to a new passion in golf.

Odemwingie, who was born in Uzbekistan to a Russian mother and Nigerian father, began his senior career in 2000 and went on to feature for 9 different clubs in Belgium, France, Russia, and England.

From Bendel Insurance in Nigeria, the ex-Super Eagles went on to feature for West Bromwich Albion, Cardiff, Stoke City, Bristol City, and Madura United, among others.

He netted 30 goals in 87 appearances for West Bromwich Albion in the English Premier League and won 65 caps for the Super Eagles, scoring 11 goals.

After retiring from football in 2019, Odemwingie pursued his love for golf, which he discovered during the latter days of his football career.

At his induction into the PGA, the 42-year-old expressed his excitement and pride, admitting that adapting to the individual nature of golf was challenging after a career in group sports.

"I'm really proud of myself and my friends who are graduating today. It's a long journey. I fell in love with the game," Odemwingie said.

"I play lots of pro-ams as an amateur. Coming from a football background, I had a decent-level career in a group sport. Now, I'm in a different sport, and sometimes you can be lonely in golf - just you and your caddie, if you have one."

Odemwingie passed the playing ability test and was accepted into the PGA program, which he described as an exciting milestone.

He is now a certified PGA professional, marking a successful transition from one sport to another.

Peter Odemwingie scored 30 Premier League goals for West Brom. Also played for Cardiff & Stoke City.

Played in two World Cups and even won an Olympic medal in 2008. In his post-football career, he turned to golf and is now a fully-fledged PGA Professional!pic.twitter.com/42DllrJRY6

— Oluwashina Okeleji (@oluwashina) June 26, 2024