MY DIVINE DIRECTION

My Divine Direction tells the incredible story of a young man’s journey, by land, from Nigeria to Europe. Born in Lagos, Ese Oduko was sent to Kirikiri prison when he was 16 for a crime his brother committed. In a crowded cell with 48 other men, he promised himself that if he ever got out, he would find his way to Europe and make a living from his talent – playing football. As soon as he was released, Ese started his journey. Still just a child, he navigated the unrelenting danger and precarity of life as an illegal immigrant on the move. He traveled through Benin, Togo, Burkina Faso, Niger, Ghana, and Mali, sleeping rough, finding work in restaurants and barbershops, but continuing to play and practice football wherever he went. Through his faith in God, his determination, and the life-changing kindness of the people he met along the way, Ese made it to Europe. He played for clubs in France, Malta, and Italy before moving into management and coaching in the UK. After becoming a pastor in 2008, Ese felt God calling him to return to Nigeria to do His work. He established a football academy there to help underprivileged and homeless children and is about to launch a new youth project in collaboration with the Nigerian government.