DOLPHINS’ goal king, Emem Eduok, may come across to many as a tough, no-nonsense striker, who loves to terrorise opponents’ defenders and score goals. The Nigeria Premier League joint top scorer, however, has a soft side. He tells Sport & Style, recently, about his love and passion for giving.
“I love to do the little I can to assist the less-privileged in my society. It is something I learnt while growing up. That it is honourable to give than to receive. When you are blessed, it is proper to bless others because that is why the Lord has blessed you in the first place. So, in my own little way, I like to bless people around me, and the less-privileged too.”
As a matter of fact, the Akwa Ibom-born star player says he often visits and donates to homes in the city of Port Harcourt quietly.
Eduok is, without argument, the hottest player on the local scene now. With his goal tally for Dolphins at 20, he has added one to the national team; the Super Eagles, during last Friday’s international friendly at the new Uyo International Stadium in Akwa Ibom State.
Sounding confident and sure of his ability, Eduok’s upbringing certainly plaid a major role in what the young man has been able to achieve. He says: “I grew up in a close knit family and from the time I decided to take football seriously, I had gotten the support of my parents and siblings. They are always there for me. We speak occasionally to reinforce their support and covet their prayers. It was not too difficult to get their support because, unlike the olden days when folks believed that football was meant for unserious people, footballers now do great things in our society. I kicked off my career in Akwa Ibom with Akwa Starlets and moved on to Akwa Stars. It is here that I honed my skills before Dolphins came for me.”
Speaking about players that inspire him, Eduok informs that he is tickled by the sublime touches of Argentine and Manchester City star striker, Sergio Kun Aguero, as well as the instinct of Barcelona player, Luis Suarez. “I see myself in these two excellent strikers. They are always angry for goals and their goals don’t come simple. They get into the thick of action and go for goals. They inspire me and I watch their clips many times to improve myself.”
Ask him if the erratic behaviour of Suarez and people’s perception of the former Liverpool talisman is not a put-off, he replies: “Suarez is a brilliant player. He is one player many managers would love to have because of his ability on the pitch. I am sure he has scored more times and won more games than he has bitten more people. Therefore, the underlining factor is goals. That is what fans and managers want.”
His invitations to the Super Eagles, Eduok admits, have given his game a good boost. “It was amazing, playing and training with the likes of Mikel Obi, Emmanuel Emenike, Vincent Enyeama, and others. I was motivated and it made me to know that as a young player I need to continue to work hard so that I could get to their level in the nearest future. I learnt a lot of new tricks training alongside them. I have been enjoying myself in the national camp. All of us here are like a family. Even as we are home-based players, they are showing us the respect we deserve. Most of them started as home-based players, so there is no need for discrimination. However, I have to keep working hard and keep improving myself because I want to be in the team for a long time. I’m happy for my achievements lately, but maybe they aren’t enough, so I have to keep working. ”
Asides that, Eduok discloses that his national team call up has also influenced him positively in his club, Dolphins. “I have been learning some new tricks from the foreign pros. They have many qualities to tap from, on and off the field of play. In addition, that has affected my psyche at Dolphins, making me a better player. I interrelate with the colleagues better and we play better football because of this.”
Eduok sent the record book shattering this season when he netted six goals in a match against Nembe City. Looking back at the episode, Eduok says, even he was not prepared for the avalanche of goals. “It was not something I was prepared for. One can look forward to a brace but not six goals. Nevertheless, it felt great to score six. In-fact I have never scored more than two goals in a single game, so to net six was wonderful. I also thank my colleagues because without their support, I would not have been able to do it.”
Armed with a solid conviction that he could tie down a good club abroad at the expiration of this year’s season in Nigeria, The former Flying Eagle has his eyes cast on two dreams. One is winning the Federations Cup (FA Cup) and the second is getting a lucrative deal in Europe.
“My agent is working hard to get something good for me in Europe. I am confident that I have done well at the local level and Europe is my next port of call. My dream move is Norway and Spain and I would love to star for big clubs such as Manchester United, Chelsea, Barcelona, or Real Madrid after some years. You will agree with me that most footballers’ dream is to play in Europe. I believe that I will achieve my dream in the nearest future.”
However, before moving on, he adds that he would like to announce his departure from the local league with the FA Cup shield. “I am confident that Dolphins will win the Federation Cup and that will be my gift to the club for their support and to all my colleagues and fans for their support for me. I am sure we will lift that trophy because our success has been entirely down to hard work and commitment to duty and God has been there to cap our efforts. It is my parting gift to Dolphins because I know that this is going to be my last season in the Nigerian Premier League,” adds Eduok.
PROFILE
Date of birth: 31 January 1994
Height: 1.78m
Weight: 75Kg
Previous clubs: Akwa Starlets, Akwa United
Present club: Dolphins
Goal scoring record:
2010/2011 with Dolphins: 4 goals
2011/2012 with Dolphins: 6 goals
2012/2013 with Dolphins: 8 goals
2013/2014 with Dolphins: 20 goals still counting
