Ricky Weir's Book Inspires Across Cultures and Generations

Former Jersey football leader Ricky Weir says his award-winning memoir, Illegitimately Blessed, is inspiring people from different cultures and ages. He plans to share the book widely in Nigeria and Africa.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with PREMIUM TIMES during his recent trip to Nigeria, Mr Weir also talked about another important moment in his life. He got a Nigerian passport after many years of searching for his father's roots.

Still, he believes the story behind that journey is what he wants readers to connect with the most.

Initially self-published in September 2024, Illegitimately Blessed caught the attention of a European publisher after making waves beyond football circles.

“In March 2025, it was picked up by a European publisher and I was offered a contract, which was a massive step,” Mr Weir said. “To be sought out and offered a publishing contract was amazing and not something I expected.”

Mr Weir, known for his work in football administration and grassroots development, says writing the book was not about making money.

He had three goals: to finish the book, to leave a record of his life for his three sons, and to inspire at least one person.

“If it could positively impact one person, inspire one person, then I’d be happy,” he said. “Everything from then on is a bonus.”

The memoir tells an extraordinary life story.

Born in Glasgow to a Scottish mother and a Nigerian father, Mr Weir never met his father, who died before he was born. He was adopted and raised by parents in Scotland. Years later, he began to search for his family history, a journey that helped him reconnect with his Nigerian roots and led to him getting Nigerian citizenship.

While football is a big part of his story, Mr Weir thinks the themes in the book go beyond sports.

“It covers fathers, identity, discrimination, family, resilience and overcoming challenges,” he said. “It’s not just for football people.”

The book gained more attention in April 2025 when it won a literary award in Italy. Mr Weir called this moment one of the biggest surprises in the book's journey.

“That was a real wow moment,” he said. “I don’t see myself as a writer. I’m a football person who wrote one book. For literary people to recognise it was very special.”

This recognition has made him even more determined to share the memoir with readers in Africa, especially in Nigeria, where much of the story is based.

According to Mr Weir, plans to introduce Illegitimately Blessed to Africa are already in motion and helped him connect with people during his recent trip to Nigeria.

“I truly believe the book can inspire many people here,” he said. “If it can have an impact in countries where I have no connection, then imagine what it could do in Nigeria, where a massive part of the story comes from.”

Mr Weir, who started the Jersey 2 Africa Football Foundation, hopes the memoir will be part of the legacy he leaves in football and beyond.

For now, the former president of the Jersey Football Association is excited about the growing reach of a story that started as a personal reflection but has turned into a message of identity, belonging and perseverance.

“I feel it’s only a matter of time before the book reaches Nigerian bookshelves,” he said. “And I look forward to seeing the impact it can make.”