UK-based Nigerian football agent, Ese Oduko has revealed how omission from the Golden Eaglets roster for the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup inspired his son Ogaga Oduko to work harder to achieve his football dreams.
Ogaga Oduko had been a part of Nigeria’s U-17 squad in the days leading to the global event in Brazil.
The left-back was a key member of Manu Garba’s side which finished fourth at the 2019 U-17 AFCON that same year which secured Nigeria’s place at the U-17 World Cup.
However, the teenage prospect was omitted from the final team list at the last minute which sparked outrage from Ese Oduko, his adoptive father.
In a chat with Sports247, Ese Oduko has disclosed how that heartbreaking incident inspired his protégé to work harder in order to achieve his dreams. He said:
“He [Ogaga Oduko] represented Nigeria in the nations youth tournament in Tanzania where Nigeria qualified for the U17 World Cup in Brazil. He went through all the way to Brazil and he was dropped at the last minute.
“He didn’t want that to stop there. He was determined and worked hard to achieve his goals. He has been working hard and today he is in a professional club and he is continuing to work hard.”
Ogaga Oduko signed with FC Saburtalo in the Georgian top-flight in January this year. The 19-year old has scored two goals in four matches this season from his left-fullback role. In his father’s view, the national team experience was a crucial part of his development.
“His experience at the national level was great preparation. And you know, like a building step for him to get to where he is today,” he said.
