The Nation Newspaper

Category: SOS

AUSTIN POPO : Community football will correct faulty club structure

Frontline football activist and brain behind Community Football Foundation (CFF), Austin Popo shed light on the novel soccer club initiative while going memory lane to talk about his involvement with unionism with Taiwo Alimi.

You are the originator of Community Football Foundation (CFF), what’s the idea behind it?

The Community Football Foundation abbreviated as CFF is an NGO creation to advocate and establish the concept of Community Ownership of Football Clubs, a minimum of one in each Local Government Council nationwide under the PROJECT 77 ORF (Owned, Run and Fund)

The concept is born to address the challenges of faulty club structure we operate in the country where over 90% of our clubs are government owned, run and funded, which is one major problem in the development of league football in Nigeria.

Football belongs to the people and when the community is not involved in football, it is not football. Football is the most democratic game in the world; it is a game of the people, by the people and for the people. Football is business and community driven. These two most important factors are missing. So we need a structure not from the top, but from the grassroots to change the current structure of our clubs. You know the status of a player in terms of his welfare and this is a function of the development of the club. We have seen too many situations where players’ welfare is not taken seriously. These are my motivations

What is the support based like?

The Project 774 – ORF under the concept CFF has not been officially launched. It is still work in progress, and we are just laying the foundation. But plans are on to organise a Community Cup tournament that will feature only clubs that meets the CFF Club Structure framework. There will be two Cups (Community Cup) one for the Southern Conference for the three Zones in the south, while the other Cup is for the Northern Conference for teams from the three Zones from the North. We are also lucky that ex international player and executive chairman of Surulere Local govt has agreed to donate the Community Cup for the Southern Conference.

You have been involved with football unionism for decades, why did you go that way when many of your colleagues chose coaching and administration?

The welfare of players is as important, if not more important than the development of their skill. Somebody needs to play that role, which others and I have decided to fill. Specifically, my involvement came as a founding member of the union, when the club I played for, New Nigeria Bank FC was disbanded and all the players were forcefully thrown into the labour market. There was nobody to protect and fight for their rights. That was the beginning of the players union in Nigeria.

How do you think CFF can improve the financial status of clubs in Nigeria?

The financial status of our clubs even with so much money spent by government is such that only a small fraction gets to the clubs is a major challenges faced by the Clubs . The CFF concept of funding clubs is divided into two major categories; the Household Funding and Corporate Funding. The Household Funding is membership fees, and match tickets. The Members fees are card carrying members and are owners of the club. They elect the directors of the clubs etc.

Most Nigerian clubs are owned and controlled by government; do you think this is proper?

It is not proper. Their role should be to provide enabling environment for clubs to operate, including the other reasons I have earlier mentioned

Tell us about yourself, especially your football background?

I played for teams like Petroleum Training Institute FC, NEPA FC, MC Demmot Jaramac FC , NNPC, all in Warri-Delta State, NNB of Benin, and brief stay in junior and senior national teams

Would you allow your children to play football? Some of your colleagues are not happy about treatment they are getting in retirement?

It is their choice, but education is equally important, that is my saving grace, I hold first degree in Physical and Health Education from University of Benin (UNIBEN). I combined both while playing.

November 22, 2020
Tiger’s 11 year-old son rocks junior circuit

When the child of a star athlete starts competing in the same sport, unfair expectations are a given. Results, at least the kind Charlie Woods has produced of late, are much harder to come by. While Tiger Woods competes in the FedEx Cup, Charlie has been busy dominating the South Florida junior golf circuit.

Two weeks after winning a nine-hole U.S. Kids event by five shots thanks to a three-under-par 33, Charlie, 11, finished in red figures again on Saturday. This time, he won his 9-11 age division by three shots at a PGA South Florida Section tournament. Tiger Woods has announced that he will team up with his 11-year-old son Charlie in next month’s PNC Championship at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando.

Formerly known as the Father/Son Challenge, the event sees PGA Tour and LPGA major winners joined by a family member to compete as a team.

Woods, 44, who has won 15 majors, will make his debut in the tournament.

Woods junior won back-to-back Florida junior golf tournaments by a combined total of eight shots last summer.

“He’s starting to get into it,” said Tiger, who has won 82 PGA Tour events and has been spotted at various junior tournaments acting as Charlie’s caddie.

“He’s starting to understand how to play. He’s asking me the right questions. I’ve kept it competitive with his par, so it’s been just an absolute blast to go out there and just be with him. It reminds me so much of me and my dad.”

This year’s tournament will also feature former FedExCup champion Justin Thomas and his father Mike for the first time, with Bernhard Langer and his son Jason also in the field to defend their title.

The tournament will be played behind closed doors from 17-20 December because of coronavirus restrictions.

November 22, 2020
JOE ARIBO: I’m a better player and person

Nigeria and Glasgow Rangers Joseph Aribo returns for club and country after disturbing injury to appraise his one year stay at Glasgow Rangers.

Joe Aribo says the pressures of playing for Rangers is making him a better player and person as he returns to play for club and country after injury kept him on the sideline for some weeks.

Last Sunday Aribo was on target twice to signify his return in the 8-0 beating of Hamilton Academical in the Scottish Premiership clash.

Aribo admits it is the high level of expectation from Rangers fans and staff which is spurring him and his teammates on into a second half of the season which has started with two wins.

He told the media: “One thing I have always said is that the fans, they are just ruthless, they want to win every game and it has to be by a big margin.

“I know every week I have to perform, I have to be the best that I can be and we have to do that as a team also.

“That pressure makes you a better player and a better person because you know if you’re sloppy or you’re not at your best then you will come out of the team. It is good pressure and it is what you need to be the best that you can be.

“You have to get the chance to play in a position and grab it. I just want to keep being able to grab that position.

“I just want to go out there and express myself, that’s all the gaffer says to me before a game and I am just happy that I am able to do that.

“We know how aggressive and fast this league can be so that was one thing I had to learn when I came here. I am just grateful I am able to have caught up with it and can perform.

“We have to have a quick turnaround in this period of games because you can’t dwell on the last result or the last game; we just have to think about the next fixture that is coming.

“Momentum is a big thing and if you are winning then you just want to keep winning, keep playing and keep the games coming thick and fast so you can keep winning.”

Playing alongside experienced player like Jermain Defoe leading the line for the Gers, Aribo says has also helped.

Defoe was on target last season at Tynecastle when his side won 3-1 but the 1-1 draw earlier in this campaign was a disappointment Aribo would like to make up for.

“We know what Jermain can do and we know what kind of striker he is, whereas Alfredo is very different to him. You have to adapt to who you are playing with and that is what we have to do.

“You can see what Jermain does for us, Glen Kamara and I, we call him Uncle!

“You can see how professional he is, he is the first one in and the last one to go home. It just shows why he is still able to do what he is doing, even at the age he is at.”

On his switch to attack, a role that has helped him score more goals, Aribo believes people are seeing the best he can offer.

He has thrived since moving up on the right of a front three in December and has admitted he wasn’t getting the best out of himself in midfield.

Joe Aribo

Aribo says his whole life has changed since the switch to Glasgow in June and that his football has benefitted from a new focus on the game.

He said: “The month before the break was a bit of adapting for me because when I was playing in the left 8 position I was a lot deeper.

“Now I am a lot higher up the pitch and get to express myself more. I have very much enjoyed switching position; I am loving it up there.

“I sat down with the gaffer and Mick (Beale) and they said they thought this was the position for me.

“It’s funny because maybe a week before I had sat down with them and said maybe I want to have a go in that position. So it kind of all fell into place and I was just happy.

“I feel like that is when I am at my best, running at defenders and into open spaces, just making things happen in and around the final third.

“I felt like I was a bit timid before and just not myself, I was playing very safe and I just want to make things happen, which is what I’m allowed to do now.

“You always want to do the best and be the best you can be but it is hard when it is not coming off and that is when you shy away from things but you shouldn’t really do that.

“I try to remain calm in all situations, say when we have a big game I go through breathing techniques to help me stay calm.

“I just don’t want to have any negativity in my head so I just always have to think of positives and think that if I make a mistake in a game I am always going to get another chance and then I have to do what I have to do.”

He reflected on the last seven months, saying: “Coming here (to Glasgow) has been a complete change for me, there are just so many days on. When I was down in London there were a lot of days off whereas now you’re always on.

“On my body it is constant football and I would say I have adapted to it well as I come towards the end of the first six months.

“Me being up in Scotland has allowed me to think more of football, when I go home I have to recover better and that has helped me.

“When I was in London I would go and see my friends or be out more whereas in Glasgow I am just around and indoors.

“I like the focus in Scotland because it allows me to focus on what is important and that is football, I always have to perform in every game so it allows me to do that without distraction.”

Aribo said: “It has been really good, we have settled in really well and I am enjoying it.

“We are revisiting what we have done in the season so we are getting back into the pressing and not giving opponents time on the ball.

“When we usually get weeks off it’s the international break so I am away with Nigeria so it is good to get a full week of training together as a squad with the gym involved too.”

November 15, 2020
Birthday special with OGHENEKARO ETEBO

SUPER EAGLES strongman, Oghenekaro Peter Etebo did not mind spending some minutes of his special day-his birthday to chat with The Nation, even as he stated that nothing tickles him more than experiencing new things like playing in different leagues of Europe. Since he moved abroad from Warri Wolves, the rugged midfielder has played in England, Spain and now in Turkey.

Speaking exclusively with Morakinyo Abodunrin on November 9 2020, which, coincides with his 25th birthday, an elated Etebo said he has received several birthday wishes and gifts from his loved ones and well wishers. “Firstly, I just want to give thanks to God, it’s a thing of joy that I see another year, am so grateful to God. I have received different messages wishing me happy birthday. Like I said seeing today is a thing of joy and a privilege too so I keep giving thanks.”

Etebo later took to his Twitter handle to flaunt birthday gift from his wife, Bethel. Mrs Etebo had packaged a bottle of wine and naira notes to write ‘I love U’. The currencies were wrapped into an icon of love and a big letter U in a gift box delivered to the Nigerian star in the process. While thanking the mother of their two children (Wealth and Elo) for her gesture, he joked that he would have preferred she gave him dollars instead of naira.

Etebo who is in Nigeria for the first of the two-legged (Africa Cup of Nations) AFCON clashes between Nigeria and Sierra Leone, said his loan move to Galatasaray from Stoke City has been a ‘wonderful experience.’

He said: “It’s not actually like massive changes from one country to another because at the end of the day it is all about football. Of course, every league has its own characteristics but I want to tell you every league is tough be it in England, Spain or Turkey. I also love to try new things and it has been a wonderful experience for me playing in these places because as a footballer, you just have to adapt to any environment as a professional.”

Etebo spoke further on playing for country, settling down in Turkey among other things. Excerpts:

You have been involved with playing for Nigeria for some time now, what drives you and how passionate are you playing for Nigeria?

I am very excited because many players want to represent the country and here I’m having the opportunity. It is something one should be proud of and that is why I tried as much as possible to do my best. It’s my job to make sure I do my best and play with passion; it’s very important to give my all at all times and this has been a motivating factor for me right from day one. Whatever I am doing, I just want to try and give my best.

How well have you settled down with your present club in Turkey?

Going to a new club, you need to adapt and that has never been a problem for me, that has never been a problem, if you are to be a professional you need to settle well in every place you found yourself, so I just want to continue like that.

I know it’s still in early days to ask, what are the things you want to do after playing because you will stop playing one day?

To be honest, I have not considered that but I would put it into consideration. I still have to plan ahead and think about which way and what to do after playing, I still haven’t put anything into consideration but before my retirement I will definitely do that.

Etebo, what are things, that makes you happy?

I would say my family because when I see them around me am always happy, I know where I came from and how things were so they always motivates me and bring the best out of me.

A lot of younger boys in Nigeria would be looking forward to emulate players like Etebo and some other Super eagles players , what kind of advice can you give to this young players?

Like they say success is not an easy route, so the thing is you still have to keep your head high and be calm. Although it’s not going to be easy, make sure you keep doing what you know how to do best and make sure you put in more effort, if you are on the right track you will definitely make headway and make sure you make a lot of sacrifice too and believe in God and yourself.

This year 2020 had been a challenging year for everybody, what are the lessons you have learned personally out of the crisis of COVID-19?

We just have to thank God because everything only by the grace of God. I agreed that this year has been challenging but we still have to give thanks and nobody can tell what is ahead of many years to come, so we believe everything will be fine.

November 15, 2020
How history maker Ajide ended 30-year-old football rift

By Taiwo Alimi

IT all began like a friendly get-together of ex-footballers from all over the country and former First Bank FC of Lagos defender turned politician, Hon. Tajudeen Ajide, provided the umbrella and platform to ride on.

Ajide inherited his father’s (a grounded grassroots politician) political sagacity and soccer endowment that runs in the family as he played briefly in the Nigeria Flying Eagles while his younger brother Ganiyu Ajide starred for the Super Eagles in defence.

Surulere Local Government where Ajide holds sway as chairman would become a melting pot for ex-players and football activities and talks.

Ajide, likewise extended supportive hands to ex-players who have health related issues in cash and kind. On one occasion he mandated his personal doctor to attend to Stationery Stores former top striker Peter Anieke when he was down with kidney problem.

Though, Anieke died of the illness, Ajide was at his side onto death.

His open and kind heartedness attracted many to Surulere better known as Sportcity and he did not disappoint them.

“The problem ex-players are facing is too numerous and I cannot just stand and look,” Ajide told me once.

He decided what is best is to have a strong and united Players Union that would fight with one voice and accord for serving and retired players.

For close to 30 years, the two dominant Players Unions, National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers (NANPF) and the Association of Professional Footballers of Nigeria (APFON) have worked independently to create a discordant tune.

Peace has eventually come and thanks to Ajide who painstakingly used his resources to host peace talks for months on end until result came in the form of Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN), the merger of the two unions.

The merger was consummated on Monday 9th November 2020 in Lagos with formal signing of a merger agreement by the leadership of the two factions.

Ajide rightfully chaired the August meeting.

Former Super Eagles Tijani Babangida (MON) emerged as a consensus candidate of the unions after he returned unopposed as President of PFAN.

The formal inauguration of the new executive board of PFAN would be held on the 21st of November in Lagos.

Other elders of the union that played major roles in the peace pact are Dr. Felix Owolabi, Coach Khadiri Ikhana, (MON), Coach Joe Erico, Emmanuel Okala (MON) and Chief Segun Odegbami (MON).

Harrison Jalla, president of the defunct NANPF could not hide his excitement.

“Many thank to Hon. Tajudeen Ajide the Executive Chairman of Surulere local government who stood like the rock of Gibraltar in funding the merger process all through. Yours sincerely will now be watching how events unfold from the sidelines as an Elder statesman. I wish our amiable President Babangida God’s blessings and guidance in this very demanding assignment.”

Equally elated Austin Popo, former secretary of APFON said he is looking forward to a stronger union that would fight for the betterment of its members.

Other ex-internationals present at the signing of the MOU and were pillars behind the merger include: Hon. Tajudeen Disu, Supervisor for Agric, Youth, Sports & Social Dev. at Surulere local government, Mr. Princewill Jonbo Awala and lK Nwezor.

Ajide said: “This is what I’ve always wanted to unite people- football is my first love and constituency and we have to be together-in one strong union to achieve. Ex-internationals and players are in bad health after serving their country, and nobody is doing something about it. We have to put aside personal goals and sentiments to help those of us that are in bad conditions. God made this happen, not me. I only set aside time and resources, and made them believe that we can do it. I want to thank our elders who made themselves available for meetings-we had several and for making history. Posterity will judge us for what we do today. I’m happy and fulfilled.”

November 15, 2020
BUKAYO SAKA: I enjoy watching cartoons

Gifted Arsenal and England left-back; Bukayo Saka celebrated his England debut last month by paying tribute to the people that pushed him to greatness. Taiwo Alimi captured his words.

At just 19 and only 5ft 10in, the rising tale of Arsenal left-back Bukayo Saka has surprised even his manager Mikel Arteta. The player with Nigerian heritage, having been born to a Nigerian father and mother, got his senior competition debut in late 2018 and has since established himself as a regular in the Arsenal first team under Arteta.

His fluid contribution from defence to attack has earned him 32 first team matches, extended contract and call up the England senior team.

On October 1, 2020 Saka made his Three Lions debut in England’s 3-0 friendly win over Wales at Wembley Stadium playing for 76 minutes and contributing to the emphatic victory.

An impressed Arteta said of Bukayo exponential ascent, which he attributed to his surging ambition. “He is always pushing. He’s pushing in every training; he’s pushing in every game. He’s pushing in the way he conducts himself. First of all I am delighted for him, I think he completely deserves the chance to represent his country and he just needs to keep doing what he’s doing, and he will keep evolving.”

Saka has however paid tribute Arsenal legend and former assistant coach of the team Freddie Ljungberg. He said Ljungberg as trainer of the youth team played pivotal role in maturing him and many players in the Arsenal Academy.

Saka enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in 2019/20 and was championed by Ljungberg ever since the Swede took over as Arsenal under-15s coach.

Though Ljungberg has left for new challenges Saka still speaks about him with fondness.

“The first time I met him, of course I was quite young so I was obviously in awe of him because he was a legend for Arsenal and he played in many successful Arsenal teams,” said Saka.

“As soon as we started to work with him he always gave me advice because he played in my position as well. He gave me different advice on running in behind, finishing techniques, little things that have also helped my game.

“He knows the game as much as anyone else. He’s been there and played in the Premier League for many years. He would normally tell me how a game was going to go. If I was playing against a certain opponent, [he would tell me] how I’m going to match up against him and what I need to do to get the better of him, his weaknesses and stuff like that. He’d help me with that and of course on the mentality side he’d always encourage me. In all the aspects of the game, he was always trying to help me.”

Before he was shoved under the tutelage of Ljungberg, however, Saka had his father pushing him to excel.

“I had been here 10 years earlier with my dad, sitting in the away end with the Newcastle fans. My dad has always been a big football fan; he supported Newcastle because he loved Alan Shearer. I hadn’t been to many stadiums at all, so it was a big moment for me, as an eight-year-old, to go to a game. But now here I was as a player.”

Living for football and EPL

“To be honest it all really started a long time before that. From the age of three or four I would be playing football at home in the garden with my dad, and my older brother, Yomi.

“It was always like that. After school we would eat and then it was straight into the garden to play football. We would play for hours. My dad and brother would want to go back inside but I never let them. We kept playing until I won. I’m serious, you can ask them! As long as they were winning, I wouldn’t let them back inside.

“When I got a bit older I would also play on the green outside our house. I loved being outside. I was never one for movies or anything, but I do admit to liking cartoons as a kid – especially Spongebob Squarepants. I loved that!

“I grew up in Greenford, west London with my mum, dad and Yomi. We’ve always been close and we’ve always been sporty. My brother played as a defender for Watford until he was about 14.

“Weekends in our house were always about football. My dad would usually take me to Arsenal – I joined when I was about seven – and my mum would take my brother to Watford. I spent a lot of time being taken to and from football in my dad’s car. I remember there were a lot of road works round Hale End; sometimes it took us an hour and a half. But it was all worth it. I loved it.”

His parents however ensured Saka maintain a balance between football and education.

“My mum and dad always encouraged me. They never stopped me from playing football, they just wanted to see a balance and that I was also interested in my education. I actually got quite good grades, so they were pleased on that side. I got four A*s and three As in my GCSEs, so I did quite well at school. My favourite lesson was obviously PE, but I also liked business studies a lot, I got an A* in that.

“I was lucky enough to travel a lot when I was younger as well. Every year my mum and dad would take us away. We went to Nigeria of course, where my mum and dad are both from, we went to Dubai, and to America a few times because my cousins live there. I remember going to Chicago and LA, and a few other places too.

“I still live with my parents, but we’ve moved away from Greenford now, closer to the training ground, and my brother has moved to Reading to go to university. We are still really close though, he was one of the first to text me after the FA Cup game at Bournemouth when I was man of the match. My mum text me too, telling me how proud she was. My dad will always tell me what I could have done better, even when I’ve played well, and my cousins and uncles support me too. I know they pray for me, and always ask how I’m getting on.”

Football became the centre piece of Saka’s life and he began to dream and looked forward to playing in the English Premier League.

“I just enjoyed playing, but I don’t think I ever really thought I was going to make it to the first team until I actually signed my first professional contract when I turned 17.

“You go through the youth teams, year by year, and you see all these great players around you – some of them could be the best in the year – and slowly they are all let go, to other clubs or even stopping completely.

Europa League

Saka loves to drag his family along whenever he’s playing saying their presence gives him a comforting atmosphere.

“My first-team debut was in Ukraine, so that wasn’t an easy one to get to for them, but two weeks later my family were all there when I started my first game at the Emirates. It was a few months after my 17th birthday, against Qarabag in the Europa League, and I was told I would be starting the day before the game. I couldn’t sleep at all! My dad told me he was that same.

They came to the game to support me and I remember seeing how happy they looked afterwards. I framed my shirt from that game – it’s on the wall at home.

I will never forget that day. I actually had a big chance to score in that game too, but the way I see it is I learnt from that, and now I want to keep on learning.”

November 8, 2020
BALOGUN: Why they call me ‘new Aubameyang’

Agency Reporter

Folarin Balogun became the 876th player to represent us in a first team game after coming off the bench in our 3-0 win over Dundalk during the Matchday 2 of the ongoing Europa League. Born in New York to Nigerian parents, his family moved to England when Folarin turned two and settled in London. The 19-year-old forward has forged a reputation as a formidable goal scorer at both under-23 and under-18 level – and was duly rewarded by Mikel Arteta with his first senior minutes.

Folarin was elated on making his senior debut and helping to win convincingly with E Nketial, J Willock and N Pepe scoring within six minutes.

He said: “Yeah it feels great. It’s a moment I have been waiting for for a little while so to finally get it feels great. I can only thank Mikel ad the staff for this opportunity and I look forward to doing it more often.”

Getting first team shirt of the London club, Balogun said has not been easy. He had to keep working hard and hoping to get his break sooner than later.

“It’s been tough, I’ve been at a few other clubs doing trials and stuff like that but I’ve been working my way through the academy and I think as time has gone on I’ve become a better player. I think that’s shown in my performances and I think it’s good now to get the recognition that my performances deserve.”

“Loads of emotions really. I knew that this was the moment I’d been waiting for but at the same time I knew there was a job that needed to be done. So I just tried to come on, make runs, be a nuisance and just help the team.”

He promised to keep on digging to achieve his best and reward manager Arteta and fans.

“They are going to see lots of energy, and I’d like to say lots of goals. But yeah I think I’d like to carry my performances from the youth team into the first team. That’s what got me here so it’s important I carry on playing the way I do.”

Balogun admitted that been likened to Arsenal top scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is a plus for him and due to his style of play. “I am the sort of striker that likes to play on the shoulder of the last defender and make runs behind them, similar to the way that Aubameyang plays.

Even Arteta has great things to say of Balogun. “He’s a player that I really like. Obviously I’ve got this situation and I believe it’s later than what I would like because I wasn’t here when everything started to develop but yes, he’s a player that I would like to give chances to.”

Balogun started kicking football as soon as he was old enough to do so. After playing for Sunday League side Aldersbrook, he had a trial period with Tottenham but eventually decided to join Arsenal when he was 10 years old.

Read Also: Gerrard rues Balogun’s injury

The teenager scored 28 goals in 28 matches across all youth competitions last season as the Gunners won the Under-18s Premier League title.

He was promoted to the Under-23 side in 2019-20 but that hasn’t slowed him down, scoring 10 goals and registering four assists in 15 appearances in Premier League 2.

Arsenal reportedly rejected a £5million offer from Brentford for the forward in January 2020, while he has also attracted interest from a number of Europe’s top clubs.

The 19-year-old had to wait patiently for a chance in the first team before making his senior debut as a second-half substitute in their 3-0 Europa League win over Dundalk.

He has represented both England and USA at under-18 level and is also eligible to play for Nigeria on the international stage.

Balogun is an instinctive striker and clinical finisher with either foot, consistently finding the bottom corners with power and precision.

He has also displayed quick feet, blistering pace and excellent movement to run in behind defences.

Reacting to reports linking him to clubs outside Arsenal, he said: “I am where I’ve always wanted to be right home and I still have a lot of things I want to do here. It all depends on what the club wants me to do,” Balogun added.

November 8, 2020
GEORGIA OBOH: Golf prodigy opens up on historic Saudi Arabia invitation

Georgia Oboh continues to make an inroad into the elite cadre in global golf as the teenage sensation has been invited for the 2020 Saudi Arabia Ladies Golf Tournament later this month. This year, Oboh has played a total of eight events after the lockdown starting with the Scottish Ladies Open, then played in the Czech Ladies Open near Prague, Czech Republic, and the VP Bank Ladies Open on the Ladies European tour.

She had also featured in tournaments in Switzerland and Spain and with some noticeable improvement in her scores from the same time last year in her scoring averages on tour and her finish positions, Oboh averaged scores of -1 through the tournaments and finished with two top 20s and two top 10 places.

The Edo State-born golf prodigy is now set to make history with the other ladies from the Ladies European Tour (LET) when they tee it up in Saudi Arabia for the first time starting November 12 for two major tournaments.

The tournament in Saudi Arabia is the Aramco Saudi Ladies International presented by Public Investment Fund. This is in a bid to grow the game of golf amongst ladies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Nigerian has been invited by the sponsors to showcase the female golf talent around the world. The Saudi Arabia Ladies Golf tournament is the biggest prize purse outside of the major events and the Scottish Ladies Open.

Oboh said: “I give God all the Glory and feel very honoured to have been invited to such a prestigious event which is set to host the very top of the Ladies on the Ladies European Tour and members of the LPGA too.

“I am happy with the way that my game is developing and looking forward to a great learning experience once again. The abbreviated season due to Covid-19 gave me a chance to work on my game and it has been great just to pause and see some return now, so I give God all the Glory indeed.”

She added: “To have the opportunity to play in the Inaugural Saudi Arabia Ladies International is just the best feeling this year and I am really looking forward to the challenge. I would like to take this opportunity to give God all the glory and acknowledging my family and friends who are doing all they can to make this trip possible as you already know that I have no Corporate sponsor yet but God has been so faithful through all of the challenges this year and I am sure He is the best corporate partner that I can have moving forward.”

The Saudi Arabia tournament will be played at the Royal Greens and Country Club which was awarded the best golf club in Saudi Arabia 2020 by the World Golf Awards The first event is individual Ladies Strokeplay over 72 holes with a cut after 36 holes and then the second event is the Team event so it promises to be a fantastic time in Saudi Arabia

November 8, 2020
TROOST-EKONG: I fell in love with EPL cleaning boots at Tottenham

William Troost-Ekong may have grown up less than 50 miles from Vicarage Road, but his journey to Watford has been a long one. Born in Holland to a Dutch mother and Nigerian father, the defender went to boarding school in Hertfordshire. When there he spent time at Fulham and then Tottenham’s academies, but after being released by Spurs in 2013 he embarked on a journey that sent him all across Europe and led to him playing for six clubs in seven years.

“In Holland it was very much focused on playing football out from the back,” says Troost-Ekong.

“Then I played in Norway, which is a little more direct football. Belgium was probably a mix of both. “Then I went to Turkey, which was probably a higher level because you played against some really good players that were attracted by the money they have in the league there.

“Then coming to Italy tied it all together. It was a very strong league where every week I felt like I was learning something playing against top players.”

It was always in Troost-Ekong’s mind that he would one day come back to England and he has had offers in the past to do so.

They never felt quite right, though, but after two years at Udinese the Nigeria international felt ready to take the plunge this summer when Watford came calling.

It is an ideal move for him, one that brings him back to his childhood roots, and the centre-back still has fond memories of his time in England despite being let go by Tottenham.

“That was like my really entry into professional football, I signed a scholarship contract at the time,” he says.

“I went into the Reserves, where I had Chris Ramsey, Tim Sherwood and Les Ferdinand working with me.

“I started off cleaning the boots for Ledley King (below), Michael Dawson, Younes Kaboul and Sebastien Bassong. I had a relationship with them at the time because they used to give me some advice when I used to train with them.

“At that time he (King) was already in his 30s. I could see from up close his tactical awareness and positioning was fantastic. It is what you try to emulate.

“After that Jan Vertonghen came and he became a friend because he spoke Dutch as well as he was at Ajax for a long time. All the older players were open to helping the young players, which was a nice thing.”

Troost-Ekong was part of a talented young group at Spurs, which included Harry Kane and also the likes of Nabil Bentaleb and Ryan Fredericks.

When it became clear, however, that the defender was not going to be break into the first team he sought out a move to Holland.

“It wasn’t entirely my decision,” he says. “They (Tottenham) kind of said that there wasn’t a real future for me there, at least not directly into the first team.

“You can hang around and maybe see if you can go on loan, but that wasn’t the case. It was more a decision after thinking, what am I going to do? Am I going to go down the leagues in England and try to build my way up? Or do I go abroad and try and get first-team football in a first division team. I went for the second option.”

It was a brave move by Troost-Ekong, but since joining Groningen and beginning his journey around Europe the 27-year-old has never looked back.

Now, though, he is finally back in England and closer than ever to realising the dream he had as a child.

“My dream is to play in the Premier League and to do that with a team like Watford would be ideal,” he says.

“Everyone’s idea here is to go back to the Premier League. That is the main focus. I can feel the energy in the group from the guys that are here.

“It was always the idea to come back to England. I was just waiting for the right opportunity. There were some in the past, however the choice wasn’t 100 per cent at the time.

“Now I felt like this was the right moment to come back here and prove myself.”

November 1, 2020
PAUL ONUACHU: OLISEH GAVE ME LUCKY BREAK

Genk top scorer recounts his grass to grace story thumping the grimy streets of Lagos to the sparkling stardom of Europe. Taiwo Alimi captures his words.

After 16 matches, gangling Nigerian striker perched on top of the current Belgian Juliper League season with eight goals, even as his team Genk seat in eight positions. Though, the 6ft 7in player is yet to find his feet playing for Nigeria only scoring once in six appearances, he has notched 17 goals in 30 matches for Genk. Before arriving Belgium, the Owerri-Nigeria born forward has hit gold in Denmark playing for Midtjyland. From 2012 to 2019, left for 2015 when he was loaned to Vejle, Onuachu netted 52 goals in 135 matches.

That the Ojo-Lagos bred star is enjoying his career in Europe is to put it mildly because aside, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, few Nigerian players have scored more goals in Europe than Onuachu.

It is however, of interest to know that the 26-year old player, who has likened himself to former Arsenal and Nigeria star Nwankwo Kanu, had a bumpy ride leaving his home country to play soccer abroad.

His is like the story of many African youngsters who had to endure great hardship and poor remuneration to a point of giving up before mother smiled on them.

Onuachu may be counting his successfully hatched chickens now but said he’s simply a lucky dude to be where he is today.

In a recent interview with Omasport, Onuachu chronicles his journey from Ojo to Europe.

“It all started from in Ojo-Lagos state, going to school and playing football and when you enjoy what you do the rest is easy. I played a lot of street football and from there was lucky to be picked for greater things. At that time it was fun even though it was not really easy. It was fun playing football with your friends and going to different places to be able to football. It was easy, sometimes you come back and get nothing to eat and sometimes just a little bite but you end up going back to play football. Like I said it wasn’t easy but here I am today.”

PERSEVERANCE

Onuachu had to endure a lot of street soccer before his lucky break came.

“My journey is that of perseverance. In anything you do you have to keep praying and work hard. In life you have to pass through difficult times to make it. That is my own story which is not so different from others that you hear every day. As I play in Ojo, people were always saying I play good football and appreciate me. I played in a lot of competition in Ojo and environs and in one of them some scouts came, they were like local government scouts and they love what I am doing and that is it. They came to me and said they know some friends that have an academy who would like to give me a trial and possibly help me to travel abroad.”

In his search for a means of travelling abroad, he relocated temporarily to neighbouring country Togo.

“But the truth is that it is not easier to travel from your own country than to travel through other West Africa country like Togo, Abidjan and Ghana. I was there for almost one year in Togo trying to travel and it was tough and the situation was not all that good. In-fact I had to come back home after eight months and I said to myself that I won’t go back there. I continued playing at home and struggling, striving and playing from one place to the other. Transporting myself was not even easy because it was tough. And one is not earning anything. I was just showcasing my skill. It was a bit tough and at a point my dad told me I have to get something to do and that was when frustration set in. my father was also supportive but resources was limited, he said.”

At that point he almost abandoned his plan to play football abroad and started looking for menial job.

“At a point I almost abandoned football to try out something that could pay my bill just like my dad was saying. I was out job hunting one day when I met my old coach who connected me with Ebeide FC and here I am today. Churchill Oliseh (Older brother of Sunday Oliseh) welcomed me well and told me I have to work very hard.

“I considered giving up football actually when my dad began to find it difficult to give me transport money to go for training and matches. He said I should go learn a handiwork and I was about doing that when luck smiled on me. Playing at Ebedei was the game changer for me. The training was very tough for me and when they had a break and most people went home I took it upon myself to stay back and train on my own. I was alone in the camp and by the time they came back whenever we were doing running I was always top five or top four. That was how I got into the system and from then on I did not look back.”

DENMARK

Thanks to Ebedei, Onuachu landed his first contract with Midtjylland of Denmark in 2012 and he said it a dream comes true for him.

“In Ojo, many players have gone to EbedeI for trials but they will not tell me. It was when they come back that they will now tell me. So when I got there I challenged myself that I will not give up or come back to Ojo empty handed and God answered my prayers,” added Onuachu.

The Super Eagles player has profound respect for another Imo state born player Nwankwo Kanu, so much that he modelled his game after the bundle of skill, who was decorated Africa Footballer of the Year twice.

Speaking on his social media handle, Onuachu said his tall frame which makes him the tallest Super Eagles player currently endeared him to the playing pattern of his hero.

Kanu played prominent role for country and club and won many laurels including the English Premiership, English FA Cups, Olympic Football gold and Africa Cup of Nations Cup.

‘I had to understudy the former international closely. I’m a big fan of Kanu. I’ve loved him from when I was younger and when I really got very tall I had to start learning how to play like him and his skills too. Papilo is very gifted especially with his feet which I also cherish a lot. Matching his achievement will be a huge challenge for me, but I’ll keep doing my best,” he said.

His love for Kanu also endeared him to London big club Arsenal where Kanu spent the greater part of his career.

“When I was on a weekend trip to London some years ago with the FCM squad, we were out to see Arsenal. It was an experience. The Premier League is great and Arsenal is a giant club with a nice history. Arsenal hardly comes after me now. But I’m working hard to be where they would notice me. I playing well now and scoring well too. It is my dream to play for arsenal and it might come true. I think I will be able to commit myself to most leagues in Europe, and I feel in good shape and 100 percent ready.”

He admitted that he loved the Arsenal style and could fit in. “The way they play is just the kind of football I like to see – and so I would like to play for Arsenal at one point.”

However, Onuachu is still a player of Genk, which he has committed to four years-up till 2024 and he hopes to keep honouring his contract and play good football.

“The move to Genk is a dream move for me. They treat me well and I’ve made great friends. I’m happy and my plan is going well.”

SUPER EAGLES

Reporting back to base after homecoming to Nigeria to play for Nigeria, Onuachu said he had to train alone and underwent a corona test.

“It is the standard here and I’m back in the team after testing negative. The pandemic changed the way we do things but it was well handled in Europe and we just have to adhere to instructions and protocol of Covid-19.

November 1, 2020