Former Super Eagles Star Sam Sodje Raises Alarm Over Alleged Paedophiles Among Coaches in Nigeria

 

Former Super Eagles defender Sam Sodje has voiced serious concerns about the alleged presence of paedophiles among youth sports coaches in Delta State and other parts of Nigeria. In an interview with Sodje accused some coaches of sexually abusing the young athletes in their care.

Sodje, who played for clubs such as Reading, West Bromwich Albion, and Charlton Athletic, emphasized the risks children face in sports, especially as many Nigerian parents push their children into athletics as a way out of poverty. "Sport is a powerful tool that lifts millions out of poverty, but the current economic challenges in Nigeria have caused many parents to entrust their children to these so-called coaches without conducting proper background checks," he said.

He warned that a large number of these youth coaches have questionable motives, prioritizing exploitation over genuine coaching. Sodje urged parents to be more vigilant, stating, "Parents must perform thorough checks on coaches by consulting top officials of various sports associations to ensure their children are not exposed to harm."

Sodje also called on sports administrators to take responsibility for thoroughly vetting coaches and removing any individuals of poor character from working with children. "Administrators must ensure that the bad eggs in their ranks are dismissed and banned from coaching to protect the innocence of our boys and girls," he stated.

He concluded by urging immediate action, warning that the issue must be addressed before it spirals out of control.