Photo Credit: XC-LENT / Punch Newspapers
Ex-Footballer Victor Ighedosa Launches Book on African Players’ European Struggles
Former NEPA FC of Lagos star, Victor Ighedosa, has launched a new book documenting the difficult realities faced by African footballers chasing professional careers in Europe.

The book, titled ‘MARCUS, An African Boy’s European Dream’, was launched in Lagos at an event attended by football stakeholders including club owner Adewale Teluwo, former Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ambassador Fanny Amun, former Lagos FA Chairman Waidi Akanni, and current Lagos FA Chairman Hameed Liamid, alongside several ex-internationals.

Ighedosa, who made history as the first Nigerian professional footballer to feature in the Qatari Football League, said the book is dedicated to his late brother, Marcus, and to young African talents whose European dream did not materialize.

According to him, the book is a mix of fiction and non-fiction drawn from real-life experiences.
“This book is a blend of fiction and non-fiction, inspired by real experiences, real struggles and the realities that many young African footballers encounter in pursuit of their dreams,” Ighedosa said.
He noted that many families in Africa are unaware of what young players go through abroad, from culture shock to immigration and mental health challenges.
“When I first travelled to Europe, I was not prepared for many of the experiences that came with it. I encountered racism for the first time. The culture was completely different from ours. The food, weather, language and even the time difference were all new to me. Issues surrounding immigration, mental health and injuries were also things I had to learn to navigate,” he added.
At the launch, Teluwo supported the book with N2 million, while Akanni, representing the Lagos Legends, donated N500,000, with other dignitaries also making contributions.
Source: Punch Newspapers