Former footballer and England-based scout, Ese Oduko who is also the CEO of Fresh Talents Football club/academy is set to launch his book titled My Divine Direction in Nigeria in May.
Already launched in the United Kingdom (UK), My Divine Direction tells the incredible story of a youngman’s journey by land from Nigeria to Europe.
Born in Lagos Oduko, who is the adoptive father of the ex-Golden Eaglets player Ogaga Oduko who recently signed a two-year deal with Georgian club Saburtalo Tbilisi, was sent to Kirikiri prison when he was 16-years-old for a crime his brother committed.
In a crowded cell with 48 other men, he promised himself that if he ever got out, he would find his way to Europe and make a living from his talent which is playing football.
As soon as he was released, Ese started his journey. Still just a child, he navigated the unrelenting danger and precarity of life as an illegal immigrant on the move.
He traveled through Benin Republic, Togo, Burkina Faso, Niger Republic, Ghana and Mali sleeping rough, finding work in restaurants and barber shops but continuing to play and practice football wherever he went.
Through his faith in God, his determination and the life-changing kindness of the people he met along the way, Oduko made it to Europe.
He played for clubs in France, Malta and Italy before moving into management and coaching in the UK.
After becoming a pastor in 2008, Oduko felt God calling him to return to Nigeria to do His work.
He established a football academy there to help under privileged and homeless children and is about to launch a new youth project in collaboration with the Nigerian government.
Oduko is looking for sponsors to help distribute a million copies to give out to youths. Fresh Talents is also looking to build a football academy to develop players, most especially the underprivileged.
Proceeds from the book will go towards the project and he is doing it through Fresh Talents Youth Foundation.
