Port Elizabeth is one of the largest cities in South Africa. Situated in the Eastern Cape Province, 770 km (478 mi) east of Cape Town, it is often shortened to PE and nicknamed “The Friendly City” or “The Windy City.” It stretches for 16 km along Algoa Bay, and is one of the major seaports in South Africa. Port Elizabeth is the southernmost large city on the African continent, just farther south than Cape Town. It’s probably more popular as the home of the late struggle icon and the father of modern day South Africa, Nelson Mandela.
It also serves as home to Kaduna-born Nigerian footballer, James Okwuosa, a popular figure amongst the vociferous fans of Absa Premier League outfit, Chippa United FC.
When he joined the Chilli Boys from Enugu Rangers in 2012, there were huge expectations from fans and followers of the towering centre back, and six years down the line, he has never disappointed, even if his short, ill-timed stint at Orlando Pirates was a major disaster.
A disciplined, dedicated professional whose family means the world to him, Okwuosa says he derives joy spending time with the love of his life, Prisca Nnamaka (who hails from Ideato Local Government area of Imo State), and their two kids – James Junior Ifechukwu (3 years old), and one-year-old daughter, Marvellous Chisindi. The couple tied the nuptial knot in 2012.
Probably eclipsed by more famous Nigeria internationals of the past generation, Okwuosa has carved a name for himself as a ruthless defender feared and revered by South Africa’s Premier League strikers in the past six seasons.
Okwuosa, who made his debut for the Super Eagles as a substitute in a 2-0 win over South Africa in the annual Mandela Challenge contest in 2013, played two other international games for his country under the late Head Coach, Stephen Keshi.
His movement to Orlando Pirates in 2017 was considered audacious by many but he was also viewed by a few technocrats as the ideal replacement for legendary centre back, Siyabonga Sangweni, who had been rock solid for the former African Champions in recent years.
But barely a month after joining the Sea Robbers in a swap deal that saw Justice Chabalala going the other way, the cookie crumbled for Okwuosa as Pirates suffered an embarrassing 6-0 pounding at the hands of title holders Mamelodi Sundowns. It was his first competitive game for the team and his defensive partnership with Van Heerden was literally torn apart by the rampaging Brazilians. The game was temporarily halted by irate Bucs fans who stormed with the score at 6-0.
That incident, ultimately, ended what could have been the start of Okwuosa’s dream career at one of SA’s leading club sides.
“Orlando Pirates was a dead end,” Okwuosa recalled with a tinge of bitterness. “And in actual fact, what people perceive is totally different from my own perspective.
“I’m that kind of person who always believes in tomorrow, and I don’t really leave room for failure. But again, failure can only make you better, going forward.
“I never played good in Pirates because I wasn’t given a chance. Before I joined them, the team was already messed up; they were not doing well in the league and other domestic competitions.
“To be honest, even if they had brought in Lionel Messi at the time, he was never going to perform; there was no love, no unity in the team, everything was shambolic, and it wasn’t just me. It affected each and every new player that came in. The likes of Marc Van Heerden and Dove Wome were also struggling to make an impact.
“But, to me, the whole thing was a challenge and I faced it. In spite of the whole negativity, I was focused and never gave up. I never missed training and never had any disciplinary issues with the team. My commitment was never in doubt, but when they asked me to leave, I realised I needed to put everything behind me and focus on the future.”
The big Nigerian was eventually forced to return to Chippa after (the then) Bucs coach, Muhsin Ertugral, indicated that he was surplus to requirements.
So, did Okwuosa regain his confidence since reuniting with Chippa United?
“For me, my confidence was never lost. In fact, the experience at Pirates made me a better player,” he reflects.
Now in the twilight of his South African footballing career that saw him winning a number of Man of the Match awards, Okwuosa also took time to reflect on the past, how he started playing football in his native Nigeria and how he finally secured a deal overseas.
“I never had it easy in Nigeria,” he says with an air of introspection. “I never had the opportunity to go to school but today I am what I am because of football. I knew I had the talent to play football so I explored it to the fullest.
“Sometimes it was very difficult to get transport fare even to attend training sessions and most times I trained on empty stomach. Those days in Kaduna, because of the hardship, I used to jog from Sabo area to Murtala Muhammed Square which was a distance of about 20 kilometres. I ran that long distance everyday just to make sure I didn’t miss training. With that mind-set I was able to build that positive energy in me and that has really helped to shape my career.
“I started out with El-Kanemi Warriors, then to Lobi Stars, Enugu Rangers where I played for a couple of seasons before coming to South Africa. It wasn’t easy at all, but at the same time it was fun because I was young and energetic,” he says, as he shares his football odyssey with our special correspondent in Johannesburg, MARK OGAGAN. Excerpts …
South African journey so far
First of all, when I came here in 2012, the intention was to come and sign for Ajax Cape Town. I played a couple of friendly games for them. My first game was against Manchester United just before the start of the season. I was able to play the game and I convinced the coaches and the technical crew also that I can play in South African league. So they gave me a three-year contract. Unfortunately my clearance was not yet in South Africa. While I waited for my clearance, I was informed that they had a problem with their foreign quota. It was myself, Khama Billiat, Evans Rusike, George Akpabio…I think we were up to six or seven, which was way above the stipulated number. They decided to let me go and probably re-sign me the following season.
It was then that Chippa United came into the picture. It was through the influence of George Comitis (former Ajax owner) who recommended me. Comitis was able to get me a contract at Chippa, and that’s how I became a Chippa United player. Initially, I signed a three-year contract with them. It was very tough at the beginning because I had to adjust to a lot of things, and as a foreigner I had to work extra hard. I struggled to adapt because I didn’t know anybody, and because I’m a foreigner there was no one to relate with. The weather was harsh as well, because it was in winter. But to God be the glory I was able to hang on and achieve my objective.
Greatest influences in your career
There was this guy in Nigeria, a businessman who really took care of me. His name is Emeka Nwawulu. He saw the interest I had in football and he had to encourage me. He accommodated me at his house in Kaduna. He told me he didn’t want anything from me, just wanted me to prosper.
Between social life in South Africa and Nigeria
There’s a big gap between both. South Africans appreciate South African things unlike Nigerians.
I visit my parents every year but only during the mid-season and off-season breaks, which is in December and May of every season.
Giving back to the community after football career
I’m more interested in developing the young ones in the rural areas, because when you go out there you see so many of them struggling with no one to help.
Spending my spare time
I play games on my Play Station, watch movies, and spend quality time with my family.
Regrets in football career
None so far. When God is involved in everything you do, you have no cause to regret anything.
My first pair of soccer boots
Former Nigeria captain, Joseph Yobo, gave me my first pair of soccer boots. He wanted to give me money, but I refused. So he asked what could he do for me, then I told him ‘either you give me a pair of boots and advise me on how to be successful like you.’
Historic places visited in South Africa
Quite a few, but the most interesting ones were Mandela’s house, as well as the Mercedes car assembly plant here in PE. It was amazing!
Favourite South African cuisine
Pap and oxtail soup.
What’s your best Nigerian meal?
Pounded yam and nsala soup.
Who cooks your meals?
My wife.
SHORT AND SHARP WITH OKWUOSA
How long do you sleep?
That depends, because I’m a family man.
Hip-Hop or R&B
R&B
Favourite perfume
I use perfume, but I won’t name the brand.
Car brand
I drive a BMW
Languages you speak
Igbo, Hausa, English
Greatest wishes
First of all to make heaven, secondly to see my children make a positive impact on society, and lastly to see Chippa United playing in Africa.
Weirdest wish
None
What you don’t wish to be
Racist
Worst food you ever ate
Can’t remember
Lowest salary ever
5,800 Naira
Biggest pay cheque
No comment
Worst habit
Only people can tell me that
Favourite pet
I love dogs
Favourite sport wear
Puma
Messi or C. Ronaldo?
Messi is a genius but Ronaldo is a hard worker, so let’s give it to Ronaldo because I’m also a hard worker.
Best stadium played in
Green Point Stadium, Cape Town
Role model
Myself
Favourite actor
None
Favourite musician
None
Fashion taste
Casual
PROFILE
Full name: James Okwuosa
Date of birth: 14 Sept. 1990
Height: 1.92M
Weight: 88kg
Present Club: Chippa United FC (South Africa)
Former clubs: El-Kanemi Warriors, Lobi Stars, Enugu Rangers, Orlando Pirates
Place of birth: Kaduna, Northern Nigeria
State of origin: Anambra
Local Government Area (LGA): Ogbaru
Parents: John Paul Okwuosa (Father), Rita Okwuosa (Mother)
Spouse: Prisca Nnamaka Okwuosa
Children: James Junior Ifechukwu, Marvellous Chisindi.
International caps: 3
International debut: South Africa 0-2 Nigeria (Nelson Mandela Challenge, 2013 in Durban)
