How Coach's intervention changed my life, says Okon George

Posted : 26 June 2026

Nigeria's decorated 400m runner, Patience Okon George, has paid glowing tribute to her former coach, Coach Ogunike, describing his timely intervention as the turning point that transformed her into one of Nigeria's most successful athletes.

Speaking after winning the women's 400m event at the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Commonwealth Games Trials, the multiple-time African champion recalled how she nearly abandoned athletics for football before her coach convinced her to reconsider.

According to the 34-year-old Olympian, football was her first passion, and she had little interest in pursuing a career on the track.

"At first, running on the track was not my goal because I was playing football while also doing athletics," she said.

Okon George explained that while living with Coach Ogunike during her secondary school days, she was asked to make a difficult choice between football and athletics.

"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.

"I packed my things and went home because football was my main goal then. I also noticed that whenever I trained on the track, it drained my strength immensely."

However, the separation did not last long, as Coach Ogunike later visited her school in an effort to bring her back to athletics.

"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."

Looking back, Okon George believes that decision altered 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 veteran quarter-miler expressed profound appreciation to the coach she regards as both a mentor and father figure.

"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 achievements, Okon George said choosing athletics over football remains the best decision of her career.

"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 that life-changing decision, Okon George has established herself as one of Nigeria's most accomplished quarter-milers.

Her impressive résumé includes multiple medals at the Commonwealth Games, African Games, African Championships, World Relays, Continental Cup, and Islamic Solidarity Games, cementing her place among the country's greatest 400m athletes and one of its finest relay runners.

Okon George's remarkable journey highlights the impact of mentorship, perseverance, and making difficult decisions at the right time. Her story continues to inspire aspiring athletes seeking to reach the highest level of competition.

How Coach's intervention changed my life, says Okon George

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