Follow Us on Google
Nigeria’s veteran quarter-miler, Patience Okon George, has credited a life-changing decision to abandon football for athletics as the foundation of her illustrious career, saying the difficult choice transformed her into one of the country’s most decorated track stars.
Speaking after winning the women’s 400m title at the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Commonwealth Games Trials, the multiple-time African champion revealed that football was once her greatest passion before her former coach, Coach Ogunike, persuaded her to commit fully to athletics.
The 34-year-old Olympian recalled that she initially combined both sports while in secondary school but eventually faced an ultimatum from her coach.
“At first, running on the track was not my goal because I was playing football while also doing athletics,” she said.
According to Okon George, Coach Ogunike asked her to choose between football and athletics, prompting her to return home after opting for football.
“It got to a point when I was living with Coach Ogunike while I was in secondary school. One day, I was at the football field when he called me and asked, ‘Patience, which event do you want to choose?’ I told him I loved football and wanted to choose it.
He then said if football was my choice, I should return to my family. So I packed my things and went home because football was my main goal then.”
She admitted that athletics training was physically demanding, making football appear the easier path at the time.
However, the turning point came when Coach Ogunike reached out again, eventually convincing her father to persuade her to return to the track.
“One day, he came to my school and told me to return to athletics. He even apologised, but I refused. He later spoke to my father, who convinced me to give athletics another chance,” she recalled.
Looking back, Okon George believes accepting that advice changed the course of her life.
“Yes, I was a good footballer, but with the help of Coach Ogunike, I excelled in athletics. The day I received my first national call-up, he was so happy. He reminded me of the day he told me athletics was my true path. I thanked him, and since then, I have remained consistent. From 2013 till today, I have stayed at the top.”
The experienced sprinter paid glowing tribute to her former coach, describing him as the father figure who redirected her career when she had lost focus.
“I want to thank Coach Ogunike once again for his advice, support and dedication. Without him, I don’t think I would have returned to athletics. He pushed me to discover where I truly belonged. At one point, I had lost my direction, but like a father, he guided me back and helped me achieve everything I have today.”
Reflecting on her career, Okon George said she has no regrets about leaving football behind.
“I know I have achieved a lot in track and field. I doubt I would have reached this level if I had continued playing football. There is hardly any major track and field competition I haven’t competed in. I am truly grateful to God Almighty for everything.”
Since making her breakthrough on the international stage, Okon George has established herself as one of Nigeria’s most successful 400m athletes. She won double relay silver medals at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow before adding another silver in the women’s 4x400m relay at the 2018 Gold Coast Games.
Her impressive medal haul also includes multiple relay gold medals at the African Games and African Championships, as well as podium finishes at the World Relays, Continental Cup and Islamic Solidarity Games.
With over a decade of sustained excellence in both the individual 400m and relay events, Okon George remains one of Nigeria’s finest athletes and will once again be aiming to lead the country’s medal charge at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
