The former Nigerian international enjoyed a career that spanned almost two decades across six countries, and he appears clear-minded about what direction the next chapter of his life should take
Retired Super Eagles winger Osaze Odemwingie has disclosed plans to focus on his education and earn a degree and coaching badges in the next few years.
Odemwingie called time on his football career following a successful playing stint that saw him feature for clubs in Nigeria, France, Belgium, Russia, England, and Indonesia.
A versatile forward who could get the job done either as a winger or a striker, Odemwingie consistently found the back of the net wherever he went.
The ex-West Brom forward contributed 55 goals (37 goals, 18 assists) in 129 English Premier League matches, starring for Cardiff City, Stoke City, and the Baggies.
He also smashed in 23 goals in 71 games for Lille in the Ligue 1 while supplying another nine goals for others.
A Nigerian international for over a decade, Odemwingie found the net eleven times in 62 games for the three-time African champions, appearing at two different FIFA World Cup tournaments.
The 39-year-old, however, drew the curtain on an illustrious career in 2018 following a spell with Indonesian side Madura United.
Despite being in the news for the wrong reasons lately, Odemwingie has outlined plans to devote time to studying for a degree while also working on his coaching badges.
“I’m happy that I’ve retired, and I’m looking forward to the next part of my life,” Odemwingie told Planet Football. “I will be doing my coaching badges slowly and starting my education.
“The next five years, I’m going to dedicate to education and pursue a degree just to tick that box.
“I have an urge to study, probably because my parents are doctors, and it’s somewhere in my genes, calling me to do something outside of sport.”
Odemwingie was born to a Nigerian father and a Russian mother, but he chose to represent the African giants and made his Super Eagles debut on May 4, 2002.