Nnamdi Oduamadi: Africa's forgotten Confederations Cup hero

By Rilwan Musa Gawu -

Oduamadi scores against Tahiti

As far as records at a senior Fifa tournament go, the AC Milan forward stands alone. Why then has he been forgotten?
Cameroon opened their Fifa Confederations Cup campaign against Chile on Sunday, and in so doing, moved ahead of both Nigeria and Egypt (both on two) for most appearances at the tournament. Fittingly, it is the Indomitable Lions that have come closest to winning the competition, beaten by Thierry Henry’s extra time goal in the final of the 2003 edition, the last time the competition did not serve as a World Cup dress rehearsal.
Nnamdi Oduamadi of Nigeria
Much of Africa’s history at the tournament then has root in these three nations. The likes of Hossam Hassan, Samuel Eto’o, Daniel Amokachi, Mohamed Aboutrika and Emmanuel Amuneke have shone here, all greats of the continent’s game. However, in one particular stake, this array of excellent forwards is upstaged in the most spectacular fashion.
There is still only one African player with a claim to a Confederations Cup hat-trick, or indeed a hat-trick at a senior Fifa tournament. His name is Nnamdi Oduamadi, and he is on the books of AC Milan. That is, at least, until the end of the month, after which his contract will expire and he will be a free agent.

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