Nigerian professional footballer Elijah Odede, who currently plays for French club ESTAC Troyes City Football Club, has paid an emotional visit to his former grassroots academy in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
The 19-year-old midfielder visited Soccer Temple training ground at Baptist High School, Ogbomoso, on Wednesday, where he reunited with his former coach, Gabriel Olaleye, and inspired young players at the academy.
Odede, who began his football journey in Ogbomoso before moving through Castle Football Academy and Sheriff Football Club, appreciated the coaches and mentors who supported his rise to professional football in Europe.
Speaking during the visit, the midfielder said his success story started from the grassroots pitches in Ogbomoso.
“Everything I am today started right here. My coaches believed in me and kept encouraging me when things were difficult,” he said.
The former academy player donated football kits, training equipment and also pledged support for the academy’s youth development programme.
Odede encouraged aspiring footballers at the training ground to remain focused and disciplined in pursuit of their careers.
“If I can move from playing here in Ogbomoso to professional football in France, then you can also achieve your dreams through hard work and dedication,” he told the young players.
His former coach, Gabriel Olaleye, described Odede as a hardworking and determined player who always showed signs of becoming a top footballer.
The visit ended with excitement as young players received replica jerseys bearing Odede’s name and number “E. ODEDE 12,” while many gathered around the midfielder for photographs and autographs.
