Former Nigerian U23 striker Emmanuel Okoduwa has traversed a
remarkable journey from the modest pitches of Sabon Gari, Zaria to
the chilly terrains of Ukraine, and now, his legacy is poised to
extend through his offspring.
Okoduwa's footballing odyssey commenced when he caught the attention of Nigeria's national selectors in anticipation of the 2003 Africa Games, hosted by Nigeria.
His talent earned him a spot in the national squad, contributing to Nigeria's bronze medal triumph in the football event held in Bauchi.
Okoduwa's narrative unfolded further in Ukraine, where he plied his
trade for esteemed clubs like Vorskla Poltava, Shakhtar Donetsk,
Metalugh Donetsk, Dynamo Kiev, and Kuban Krasnodar.
Despite a late call-up for an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in 2006, Okoduwa earned only one cap for Nigeria.
Okoduwa: Passing the torch
However, the spotlight now shines on his son, Wesley Okoduwa, who appears poised to carve his own niche, perhaps even surpassing his father's achievements.
Born in the United States, Wesley inherited his father's passion
for football, nurtured under Emmanuel's careful guidance.
Emmanuel remarked, “Wes always wanted to play football as a kid, and I made sure I encouraged him. It wasn't easy, but introducing him to the game was natural due to our family's footballing tradition.”
Wolverhampton Wanderers come calling
Wesley continued his footballing education in the UK, eventually joining the Wolverhampton Wanderers academy, where his talent flourished.
The young prodigy's resilience and determination earned him unexpected promotions to the U15s at the tender age of 13, and then debuting for the U21s in November 2023 and then followed by an England call-up at U16 level.
Emmanuel expressed his pride in his son's achievements, stating, “Wes has done well for himself, and I am proud of him. His call-up by England made me particularly happy, considering my own international career with Nigeria.”
Wesley's trajectory continued to soar as he trained with Wolves'
first team, eventually earning a spot in the matchday squad at just
15, exceeding his father's expectations.
Reflecting on Wesley's rapid ascent, Emmanuel enthused, “He's surpassed our projections by two years, breaking into the first team at 15. It's just the beginning, and there's much more ahead. We must remain patient and supportive.”
Where does Wesley's international future tilt to?
As discussions swirl regarding Wesley's international allegiance, Emmanuel remains open-minded, acknowledging his son's eligibility for Nigeria, England, and the United States.
“If you ask me if I want him to represent Nigeria then I'd definitely say yes but ultimately the choice is with him.
“When the time comes he will pick where his international future lies but as a father, I want him to play for Nigeria just like I did.
Regardless of his eventual choice, Emmanuel beams with pride as his son follows in his footsteps, poised to chart his own illustrious path in the world of football.
With Wes's remarkable progress capturing the attention of football enthusiasts, Emmanuel emphasizes the importance of nurturing young talent.
“It's crucial to provide guidance and support to young players,”
he asserts. “Wes's journey exemplifies the potential that lies
within our youth, and it's our responsibility to foster their
development.”
Looking ahead, Emmanuel remains optimistic about Wes's future, emphasizing the importance of patience and perseverance in the competitive world of professional football.
“There's still much for Wes to learn and accomplish,” he notes.
“But with dedication and determination, I have no doubt that he
will continue to excel.”
As Wesley's career continues to unfold, Emmanuel eagerly
anticipates the next chapter in his son's footballing journey. “I'm
proud of Wes's achievements thus far,” he concludes. “And I look
forward to supporting him every step of the way as he strives for
greatness.”
In a sport where lineage often plays a significant role, Emmanuel Okoduwa's story serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of footballing families and the boundless potential of the next generation.
As Wesley Okoduwa prepares to etch his name in footballing history, he carries with him the hopes and dreams of a proud father and a nation eager to witness his ascent to stardom
