Peter Odemwingie was a quick, hard-working forward who built a productive career across Europe and became a Premier League favourite at West Bromwich Albion. Made in Nigeria at Bendel Insurance, he scored goals in France, Russia and England, played at two World Cups and was part of Nigeria’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Peter Odemwingie |
| Nationality | Nigeria |
| Date of Birth | 15 July 1981 |
| Status | Retired |
| Position | Forward |
Playing style: A quick, versatile forward
Odemwingie was a mobile, intelligent attacker able to play through the middle or off the flanks.
- ⚡ Pace: Quick and direct, a threat running in behind defences.
- 🔀 Versatility: Comfortable as a central striker or a wide forward.
- 🎯 Finishing: A reliable goalscorer at the highest level in England.
- 🏃 Work rate: Tireless and selfless in his pressing and movement.
- 🌍 Adaptability: Scored consistently across several different leagues.
Career: From Nigeria to the Premier League
Odemwingie’s career took him from Nigeria to Belgium, France, Russia and finally a successful spell in the Premier League.
European rise
Odemwingie began his professional career at Bendel Insurance in Nigeria before moving to Europe with La Louvière in Belgium. He then joined Lille in France, where he became a regular goalscorer, earning a move to Lokomotiv Moscow in Russia.
At Lokomotiv he continued to find the net regularly over three seasons, establishing himself as one of the most reliable African forwards in the Russian league before a move to England.
A Premier League favourite at West Brom
Odemwingie joined West Bromwich Albion in 2010 and made an immediate impact, scoring 30 league goals across three seasons and winning Premier League Player of the Month three times. He hit a memorable hat-trick in a 5-1 win over Wolves in 2012.
After a controversial episode surrounding a proposed transfer, he moved on to Cardiff City and Stoke City, adding to his Premier League experience before winding down his career.
| Team (Appea.) | Goals |
|---|---|
| Lille (80) | 26 |
| Lokomotiv Moscow (77) | 30 |
| West Bromwich Albion (100) | 30 |
| Stoke City (40) | 4 |
International tournaments: A World Cup and AFCON winner
Odemwingie won more than 60 caps for Nigeria and was a regular over many years. He was part of the squad that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations under Stephen Keshi, one of the highlights of his international career.
He represented the Super Eagles at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, scoring in South Africa in 2010, and remained a dependable option in attack across a lengthy international career.
| Competition (Stage) | MP (Goal) |
|---|---|
| AFCON 2010 (Third place) | 4 (1) |
| World Cup 2010 (Group stage) | 3 (1) |
| AFCON 2013 (Winners) | 3 (0) |
| World Cup 2014 (Round of 16) | 3 (0) |
Clubs journey: Belgium, France, Russia and England
Odemwingie’s career took him across Nigeria, Belgium, France, Russia and England, with his West Brom years the most productive of his career.
A World Cup and AFCON participant and a Premier League goalscorer, the well-travelled forward left his mark at every club he represented.
| Years | Club |
|---|---|
| 2000–2002 | Bendel Insurance |
| 2002–2004 | La Louvière |
| 2004–2007 | Lille |
| 2007–2010 | Lokomotiv Moscow |
| 2010–2014 | West Bromwich Albion |
| 2014–2016 | Stoke City |