The 22-year-old Bukovyna newcomer Edwin Odinaka, who became the second Nigerian football player in the history of the Chernivtsi club, in his first interview as a player of the “yellow-blacks”, spoke about his move to Bukovyna, his experience of performances in Europe, his personal goals in the Ukrainian Premier League, and also described his playing style.
Edwin, welcome to Bukovyna! First, tell us a little about yourself to our fans, who have been eagerly awaiting your arrival in Chernivtsi. What kind of football player are you?
Hello everyone! My name is Edwin Odinaka. It has been a long journey and I have been looking forward to this day – and finally I am in Chernivtsi and am officially a player of Bukovina. What kind of football player am I? Fast and explosive. I came here to help the team achieve its goals.
How did the option of moving to Bukovina arise? Did you know anything about our club before the transfer?
I had several options to continue my career, but Bukovyna was the priority for me. So I chose Bukovyna. I am very glad that everything turned out this way and that I am already a player of this team.
You became only the second Nigerian footballer in the history of Bukovina. Did you know about this fact?
No, to be honest, I don’t know specifically who the first Nigerian was in Bukovina. But I knew that I would be the second representative of Nigeria in the history of the Chernivtsi club. It is a great honor for me. In Bukovina I will give my best so that my country and my new club are proud of me.
Your professional career in Europe began in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where you spent over three years. How would you evaluate this stage of your career and what did it give you as a football player?
I learned a lot there. Bosnia and Herzegovina was a kind of starting point, the beginning of my football journey in Europe. There were different challenges, I went through different difficulties, and they made me stronger as a football player. They made me who I am now.
You can play both as a right-back and a right-winger. Where on the field do you feel most comfortable and what are your strengths?
Yes, I can play both positions well – both in defense and attack, but I feel most comfortable as a right winger. That’s where I can create the most problems for opponents thanks to my speed.
What three words would you use to describe your playing style?
Fast, explosive and smart.
Bukovyna will be playing in the elite division of Ukraine for the first time in over 30 years. What personal goals do you have for the upcoming season in your new team?
My first goal that I set for myself is to be a team player. I also want to give as many assists as possible, because this is one of my strengths. I hope that our common history with Bukovina will be long. I want to bring as much benefit to the team as possible.
And finally, what would you like to say to the Bukovyna fans, who are already eagerly awaiting your debut in our club’s jersey?
I want to tell the fans of Bukovina that I already love you, friends! I hope to see you at the stadium very soon. See you soon!
