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Stephen Odey is a name that is now well known amongst those who pay close attention to Nigerian football for a very good reason. The 20-year-old striker currently plays his trade for Swiss side, FC Zurich after making a big name for himself in Nigeria’s top flight last season. So when I got the opportunity to Interview him it was a huge honour and one that I am very grateful for. Before we get into the interview we should give you a brief look at the career of this talented player for those who may be unfamiliar with him.
Stephen Odey broke onto the scene in the 2015/16 season in NPFL side, MFM FC’s first season in the top flight after being promoted. Odey helped his side survive by scoring 9 goals which was a solid return for the teenager at the time. Of course, his talents attracted some of the big boys in the top flight but Odey declined them to continue his development with the side which definitely paid off.
In his second season, he hit the ground running as he scored more goals than he had played goals. Odey went onto bag 19 goals that season, putting him as the league's joint top scorer. His great goalscoring form did not go unnoticed as he attracted interest from many European clubs and even got to represent his country! In the end, it was FC Zurich who would sign the young talent who has since scored 2 goals for his side in just 3 starts. Now you know more about him here is the interview.
How have you found your first season with FC Zurich? I have found my first season with FC Zurich very interesting though challenging...
What have you learnt during your time at your new club both as a footballer and a person? I have learnt more on how to interact with people considering the fact that you are in a team with different people from different parts of the world. this has made me to be patient in dealing with people .. it has also been able to let me know more about other people's ideas and culture
What have been the differences between training and playing and playing in Switzerland in comparison to Nigeria? The first is the weather. Also to be honest, there are better facilities and organization out here in Switzerland. this is not to take it away from Nigeria as Nigeria is also improved in terms of information and training facilities..
What are your short term and long term goals with your football career? To score as many goals to uplift my club , win the league cup with my club, and play in the Europe league.My long term goals in my career is to play soccer to the greatest height and be a force to reckon with in world of football. Maybe become the best player in the world. 'Impossible is nothing'... "laughs" And subsequently become a soccer ambassador that will impact my wealth of experience and knowledge of the game to liberate the grassroots...
How did it feel to train and play with the national and what did you learn both on and off the field? It felt really amazing training with the national team .. playing with the big boys was a good feeling.. It inspired me and thought me that there is no limit to what you can achieve as I was arguably the youngest player that was part of the team. I also learnt that even though the players were playing in different parts of Europe with different styles of play, football is still one language on its own.
What was the best piece of advice you have received from any of your coaches during your career? To be focused and patient
What were your initial feelings when you found out that Zurich wanted to sign you and how did it feel when you finally signed for the club...?
At the time Zurich wanted to sign me,, there were a lot of interests from a lot of clubs.. It was just less than 48hrs to the end of the summer transfer FC Zurich sent their interest and I thank God for how it all went. I was happy I finally signed for the club. The atmosphere was nice and I saw the good gesture in the management.
What were you feeling when you made your debut with the club? Were you nervous at all? Maybe I was a bit nervous at the touch line before I was introduced.. But immediately I stepped into the pitch... it was a differnt feeling,,.. I couldnt wait to start impressing and scoring for the club..
We see many Nigerians move to Europe to get exposure but what do you think the NFF could implement or change in order to keep its talent at home to make the league compete with bigger leagues? Its not only Nigerians that move to get exposure in Europe.. Players from other parts of the world.. Africa, South America, Asia move to Europe
Even Messi, one of the greatest players the world has produced is plying his trade in Europe..
But basically, sponsorship will go a long way to help keep our talents... If players get quality training, good facilities, insurance (in case of injuries), we will be able to keep a great number of our talents.
How did it feel when you scored your first goal for the club? Was it a relief? It was a great feeling scoring my first goal for the club.. It was sure a relief and it gave me a lot of assurance that it was the begining of many goals to be scored
What tips do you have for young players from Nigerians who may want to take a similar path to you? Firstly you do not have to deceive yourself.. A lot of people are doing soccer cos they think there is a lot of money to be made from it... i think the first thing is passion... secondly determination/dedication which goes with being focus and hardworking..