In sport, winning is not always about coming first, writes Segun Odegbami for Guardian Nigeria. The former Nigerian international shares his journey from student to football star, emphasizing the true Olympic spirit.
Early Days at IICC Shooting Stars
Odegbami joined IICC Shooting Stars FC of Ibadan in 1974 while studying Mechanical Engineering at The Polytechnic, Ibadan. He balanced academics with top-level football, which paid his fees and bills. In December 1976, during his National Youth Service Corps year, the club won the Nigerian National League and the Africa Cup-Winners Cup, Nigeria's first continental trophy. Odegbami scored 7 of the team's 16 goals, with Moses Otolorin netting 8.
Historic Semi-Final Against Rangers
In 1977, as defending champions, IICC chose to defend the Cup-Winners Cup, allowing Water Corporation FC to represent Nigeria in the African Club Championship. This led to a historic semi-final between Ibadan rivals IICC and Rangers FC. The matches, held in Lagos and Kaduna, were marked by intense tribal rivalry and massive fan support. The first leg ended 0-0, and the second leg in Kaduna also finished goalless, leading to a penalty shootout won by Rangers, thanks to goalkeeper Emmanuel Okala.
Despite the loss, Oyo State Governor General David Jemibewon awarded each of the 22 players a new Volkswagen car, demonstrating that winning is about effort and performance, not just coming first.
