Odafe: No mean goal-machine

But there is a serene calmness that separates Odafe from the rest. He says unperturbed: 8220;I know that a lot of eyes would be on me. But I always try my best.8221;

He further hints that he cannot be restricted, saying: 8220;I have to make things happen and change my pattern and position. I8217;m ready to play in the midfield or as an attacking striker.8221;

The road was not so rosy for this Nigerian goal-machine as he had experienced two years of anonymity with Mohammedan Sporting, where he mixed around with the Bengali boys and learnt their language and ways.

But he says: 8220;At the end of two years I realised that my other brothers were well settled in their business in Germany and it was time for me to improve myself, as football is my business.8221;

After this realisation dawned on him, Odafe resolved to become a better player and gained confidence after a stint in the Bangladesh league. After coming to Churchill Brothers, he found inspiration in the form of Moroccan coach Karim Bencharifa.

When quizzed, Bencharifa admits: 8220;I8217;ve not imparted any skill to Odafe as he is a gifted player. However, I8217;ve made him realise the importance of hard work and fitness in football.8221;

Banking on this advice from the coach, Odafe put in more effort during his training sessions. 8220;I8217;ve been practicing more and concentrating more on my fitness,8221; he adds.

Bencharifa has such confidence in his powerful striker that he says, 8220;Odafe has showcased his class and has proven time and again that he is unstoppable. Even if the opposition tries to put two or three defenders to restrict him, the team gains from it8221;.

Opposition coach Derrick Pereira nods in agreement to Odafe8217;s class and says, 8220;Odafe is such a one-touch player that you cannot afford a single lapse in defence.8221;

With a fine run in the Indian premier league, the striker is already looking to fly to Europe and is also open to donning his country8217;s colours but grimly says: 8220;So far there has been no contact from the Nigerian national side as the selectors just watch players playing in Spain, France and England.8221;

Ask him about the toughest defenders he has encountered, the Churchill Brothers striker casually says: 8220;They are all the same. I just play my own game.8221;

The spectators at the Cooperage will be more than willing to watch this magician cast his spell on Thursday.