voldemort

Perhaps, the best way to describe him is this. After the first round matches of this year’s I-League ended, I spoke to one of India’s best strikers and we were discussing the results. I informed him of Churchill’s 3-0 victory over Sporting Club de Goa. He asked, “How many did Odafa score?”
Goal.com: When did you start playing football?
Odafa: As soon as I was born, I played football (laughs). At the age of two or three maybe. I was the captain of my school football team then, college. I almost played all the local tournaments in Nigeria. Thereafter, I joined the Pepsi Academy in Nigeria for a span of two years to hone my skills and then came straight to India.
Did you start your career as a striker?
No. I began as a stopper or what you call a defensive midfielder. At Mohd. Sporting, they used me everywhere. I joined Churchill Brothers as a stiker and that’s when I started playing as a forward. All throughout my career, I was a midfielder. I can even be a goalkeeper if need be. I just have the desire to play football. If you’re confident, the position doesn’t matter.
In your first stint in India with Mohd. Sporting, you were a big disappointment and scored just one goal?
I never enjoyed playing for Mohd. Sporting. The problem is there is that they expect you to win every match. If you draw, then it is a problem and if you ever lose then you can’t sleep.
Where did you head from Mohd?
I went to Peerless and played in the Calcutta Premier League (CFL) for four months. I enjoyed every moment there. I went back to Nigeria for two months vacation and joined Mutu Juda in Bangladesh for a year and was the highest goalscorer in the league with 13 to my name.
And all this while, you were the holding midfielder?
Yes (laughs).
Your last two seasons with Churchill have been fantastic.
I joined Churchill in 2005 and played second division NFL. We successfully qualified for next seasons NFL and again I was the highest goalscorer with 12 goals.
Last season, I scored 18 to help my team finish fourth in the league.
In the Goa League 2006, I scored 22 goals, the highest ever.
What role has your coach Mr.Karim Bencherifa played in your career?
He knows everything about football. He explains to all of us what we should do. Mr.Karim is very good as he knows his job well.
What do you have to say about the excellent start to the season your team has made?
Our team is young. They are very good and they make things happen. So, the results are coming.
Coming back to your performance, where do you get this extra energy from to run through three, four, five defenders at a time?
I don’t know. I’m a devout Christian. All the power comes from God. It’s God’s gift and I am thankful for it. I also practice extra on the beach….that also helps I guess.
When not playing football, what keeps you busy?
When my wife is around, I love going out with her. Otherwise, I’m hooked onto the Playstation. I read the Holy Bible in the morning before I leave for practice and before I hit the bed.
Any long term goals?
I don’t know though like everyone I want to play in Europe. I want to be like Drogba and Mikel playing in Europe.




source:goal.com