I sponsor youths to realise their dreams – Oduko

By Saheed Afolabi

Ese Oduko, the CEO of Fresh Talent, a football agent who specialises in talent hunt and nurture them to seek greener pastures outside the country, said he sponsors the youths to make their dreams come true, stating that his platform is an opportunity for the talented footballers to excel.

Oduko said he has played with the likes of Taribo West, Peter Rufai and JJ Okocha and a host of former international footballers.

He noted that a few footballers who now ply their trade outside the shores of Nigeria went through his scouting programmes to secure their dream outside the country.

“We have some successful players who now play for foreign established clubs, the most popular among them is Ogaga Oduko who represented Nigeria at the U17 level but now ply his trade with Georgia first division side FC Saburtalo. There are also Michael Inainfe who plays for Turkish second division side Istanbulspor and Fashola who plays in Italy. We also have about five players who will be traveling in a month’s time for a trial programme.”

Enumerating the challenges  in trying to secure a deal for the players, football agents pointed out the Federation International de Football Association (FIFA) strict rules on underage players.

He said he is always cautious of the rules and makes sure the players that are taken outside the country are 18 plus.

Oduko noted that he always keeps in touch with the talents that passed through him to Europe.

“I am like a father to them. I provide guidance and compassion for the young talents to have a better life. I keep in touch with them regularly and I travel to see them, to see how they are improving in the game. I stay with them for some weeks because their well-being is my priority and give the necessary guidance needed.”

Oduko informed that he will be launching his book about his rise to fame and how football made him soon.