A new book which serves as a good guide or companion to young players aspiring of making a successful career in football titled: “Marcus: An African Boy’s European Dream” was recently launched in Lagos as ex-footballers, coaches, administrators and even young football academy players gathered for the highly engaging occasion held at the National Institute for Sports (NIS) conference hall, Surulere, Lagos.
The author, Victor Ehimen Ighedosa, a former professional football player himself, who played in Nigeria, Cameroon, Qatar, Germany and England, captured vividly in simple but clear language the numerous challenges confronted by a young player in a foreign land.
The 187 -page book was inspired by personal true life experiences mixed with fiction which makes it a must read for every young aspiring professional footballer out there, coaches, administrators, teachers, football lovers and enthusiasts, fans etc.
The book was reviewed by Ambassador Fanny Amun, former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Secretary General and national team coach, who did justice to the task with rapt attention by the audience.
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In his short speech at the launch which coincided with his birthday, the author, Ighedosa, thanked all for coming and honouring his invitation.
“I want to thank everyone for honouring my invitation, I really appreciate your coming.
“This book is dedicated to the memory of my late brother, MARCUS, and to all the young African footballers who were unable to fulfil their European dream.
“This book is a blend of fiction and non-fiction, inspired by real experiences, real struggles and the realities that many young African footballers encounter in pursuit of their dreams.
Speaking further Ighedosa said: “there is a quote by Chinua Achebe that says:
“Until the lions have their historians, the story of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.”
“If we, as footballers, do not tell our stories, many people will continue to have false narratives about the realities and culture of professional football. I feel this book is my own little way of giving back and helping the younger generation of footballers coming after us.
“What inspired me to write this book is the fact that many of us—our families, friends, parents, uncles, aunts, brothers and sisters—are often oblivious to the challenges young footballers face when they leave home or travel abroad in pursuit of a professional football career, he said.
Continuing the author explained that “when I first travelled to Europe, I was not prepared for many of the experiences that came with it. I encountered racism for the first time. The culture was completely different from ours. The food, weather, language and even the time difference were all new to me. Issues surrounding immigration, mental health and injuries were also things I had to learn to navigate.
“Whenever I speak with friends playing in different European leagues, I realise that many of us share similar experiences and stories. Different countries, different clubs and different circumstances, yet so many of the struggles are the same.
According to him, “one thing I have learnt is that talent alone is not enough. You have to be resilient, humble, hardworking, disciplined and mentally strong, while also remaining spiritually grounded in God/Allah.
“Sometimes, like Marcus, our dreams can come true. But sometimes, we are not in control of destiny as we grapple with circumstances, uncertainty and fate. Nevertheless, we should learn to celebrate those brief moments when our stars shine the brightest.
“This book is my attempt to tell that story—the story behind the dream, the struggles behind the success, and the realities that many young footballers face away from home.
“It is a story of hope, ambition, sacrifice, resilience, loss and the pursuit of a dream.
Concluding he submitted: “if this book can prepare even one young footballer for the realities ahead, or help one family better understand what their son or daughter may be going through, then I believe it has served its purpose”.
