In Search of a New Club
students. He moved with his family to Nigeria when he was two years old before returning to Russia to complete his secondary education. Whilst living in Russia, he played in the youth teams at KAMAZ and CSKA Moscow. At the age of 17, he moved back to Nigeria and after spending a short time with amateurs AS Racines Lagos, he became a professional with Nigeria Premier League side, Bendel Insurance.
After an unsuccessful trial with Anderlecht, he signed for La Louviere in 2003 and made his mark by helping the club to win the Belgian Cup in his first season, which also earned the club qualification into the UEFA Cup.
Scoring nine goals in 44 appearances attracted the attention of the French Ligue 1 side, Lille and before long he was a starter in the first team playing for the French side. Famous for his technique and pace, the Nigerian player was monitored by a number of prestigious European clubs.
In 2007, he signed for Lokomotiv Moscow for a reported fee of US$14 million on a four-year contract. In three seasons for Lokomotiv, Odemwingie became the driving force of the attack and one of their most important players. During his time there, he managed 21 goals in the Russian Premier League from 75 games.
In 2010, Odemwingie signed for English Premier League club West Bromwich Albion for an undisclosed fee on a two-year contract, with the option of a third year in the club's favour. Later in August, it was announced that Odemwingie had signed a new threeyear agreement with West Bromwich Albion, after a £4,000,000 bid from Wigan Athletic was turned down by the club.
In 2013, Odemwingie signed a twoyear contract with Cardiff City for £2.25 million. Speaking after the move Odemwingie stated that he was eager for a fresh start in his career.
He developed a good relationship with manager Malky Mackay who stated that Odemwingie "is a joy to work with." However Mackay was replaced with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in January 2014 and Odemwingie fell out of favour.
In January 2014, Odemwingie joined Stoke City on an 18-month contract in a player-exchange with Kenwyne Jones, a move he described as a "step forward".
A knee ligament injury however ruled him out for most of the season, managing eight appearances. After struggling for playing time with Stoke in 2015-16, Odemwingie joined Championship side Bristol City on loan in March 2016. He played seven times for the Robins scoring twice. He was released by Stoke at the end of the 2015–16 season.
Odemwingie represented Nigeria at the 2004, 2006 and 2008 Nations Cup. In 2008, he was selected as an over-age player for Nigeria at the Beijing Olympic, scoring in the quarter-final against Côte d'Ivoire as the team earned the silver medal after losing the final to defending champions, Argentina,
He captained Nigeria to the 2010 AFCON and when Nigeria bowed out of the competition at the semi-final stage, he was chosen as part of the Best XI of the tournament.
Odemwingie was also part of the Nigeria team to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa but dispute with Stephen Keshi cost him a place to the 2013 AFCON, which Nigeria won. He was however named in the team to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, which may as well be his last appearance in the colours of Nigeria.
The newly appointed Ikorodu United head coach, Theodorus Jacob de Jong has promised to pull the string to ensure the side survive the murky water of relegation in the ongoing top-flight.
The former Dutch international replaces the former Nigerian international and Warri Wolves coach, Samuel Okpodu.
The top-flight newcomers are at the base on paltry 15 points after 22-match football hostilities.
Jong however admitted that the task before the Oga Boys is daunting but with the cooperation and support of everybody the side will overcome its toughest challenge.
“We all together with the staff, everybody involved in the team working at same pace will surely get out of relegation in the ongoing league season.
“The task is right there before our eyes we all need to work very hard and do it assiduously till the end of the race.
“We will go about it with 100% commitment to serve and I’m sure we will succeed at the end of the day.
“I feel good to be handed the responsibility of the team, I recognise the kind of position the team is at the moment.
“The plight of the team is right there, we will try to put thing in the right place to ensure we play good football,” said the former FC Zwolle and SC Cambuur coach to supersport.com.
The former Rod JC and Feyenoord playmaker appealed to the side’s teeming supporters for patience, support and understanding.
“My sincerest message to the fans is for them to stay solidly behind the team in this trying period.
“They should not argue unnecessarily or fight anyone but to respect the rules of the game as well as the management, players and the bench.
“I believe we will succeed in our mission to rescue the team from going down on relegation,” said the 68-year old tactician.
Jong will not be on the hot seat at the weekend as the Lagos outfit NPFL matchday 24 clash against champions, Enyimba has been put off due to the People’s Elephant Caf Champions League assignment at the South African side, Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday.