Odemwingie, who was part of the Samson Siasia-led Nigeria U-23 side that won the silver medal in Beijing, recalled the unusual situation while discussing the team's memorable run at the Games.
According to Odemwingie, the team had apparently been expected to make an early exit, resulting in their remaining kits being sent away for distribution or other purposes.
“We had to wear the girls' kits for the second round and the rest at the Beijing Olympics with Siasia. Apparently, they thought we are not going to get far. They sent all the kits away for give away or whatever.”
The former striker added that Nigeria's unexpected progress eventually attracted attention from their opponents.
“Then we made it out of the group and the American team is saying 'you guys are wearing the same clothes all the time'.”
Nigeria defied expectations in Beijing
Nigeria were drawn in Group B alongside the Netherlands, Japan and the United States at the 2008 Olympic men's football tournament.
The Dream Team reached the knockout stages before producing a memorable run to the final.
The official Olympic records confirm that Odemwingie featured in Nigeria's semi-final victory over Belgium and the gold-medal match against Argentina.
Nigeria defeated Belgium 4-1 in the semi-final, with Chinedu Obasi scoring twice alongside goals from Oladapo Adefemi and Victor Obinna. Argentina then defeated Nigeria 1-0 in the final, with Ángel Di María scoring the only goal.
The result earned Nigeria its second Olympic men's football silver medal, following the team's gold medal at Atlanta 1996.
Odemwingie later described the Beijing silver medal as one of the most memorable achievements of his playing career. He scored twice during Nigeria's campaign.
An unusual story from Nigeria’s Olympic run
The kit revelation adds another remarkable detail to a tournament campaign that ultimately exceeded expectations.
Despite the reported shortage of their own playing kits, Nigeria went on to reach the Olympic final, where they faced an Argentina side featuring stars including Lionel Messi, Sergio Agüero and Ángel Di María.
Odemwingie's recollection provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the circumstances surrounding one of Nigeria's most successful Olympic football campaigns.