Godwin Odiye

Godwin Odiye (born 17 April 1956) is a former Nigeria international football defender.

Godwin Odiye
Personal information
Full name Godwin Odiye
Date of birth (1956-04-17) 17 April 1956
Place of birth Lagos, Nigeria
Playing position(s) Defender
Youth career
1978–1982 San Francisco Dons
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
?–? Nestle
?–? National Bank of Lagos
1983–1994 Greek-Americans
National team
1976–1980 Nigeria
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Life

Odiye was born in Lagos in April 1956 to the family of Jonah and Cecilia Odiye. He attended St Paul's School, Ebute Metta, Eko Boys and then attended St Finbarr's, Akoka. He played football at both his primary and secondary schools. At St Finbarrs, he started out as a left-half back. In 1975, he was called to play for a junior team called the Nigerian Academicals. The team beat Ghana in 1975 giving Odiye attention among scouts.

Odiye began playing club football in Nigeria for third division league side, Nestle and later National Bank of Lagos.[1] While playing for National Bank, Odiye also worked with the bank as a clerk. He worked in the morning and trained in the evening. In 1978, Odiye was recruited by University of San Francisco to play collegiate soccer. Odiye moved to the United States to attend college and after graduating in 1983, he played for a local semi-professional club Greek-American A.C. which he would help win the 1985 and 1994 U.S. Open Cup.[2]

Odiye made several appearances for the senior Nigeria national football team, including FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, and played at the 1976 and 1980 African Cup of Nations finals. He is well known for scoring an own goal in a 1978 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Tunisia.[3]

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References
  1. "The complicated hero - Introducing a man called Odiye". Nigeria Village Square. 16 July 2008.
  2. Hakala, Josh (5 October 2010). "The US Open Cup Final: 1914-2010". TheCup.us.
  3. Jensen, Mike (28 April 1994). "A Chance To Redeem Himself Godwin Odiye Hopes To Alter His Dubious Standing In Nigerian Soccer". The Philadelphia Inquirer.
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