My Soccer World

WHEN I was young, my sole ambition was to become a renowned journalist, but I guess I made it to the top of football quickly and unexpectedly, and I became torn between both worlds.

I opted for football, even though I have an OND in Journalism, because I was already on a strong footing in soccer and was not ready to gamble.

Early breakthrough

For my secondary education, I attended Saint Patrick Secondary School, Emene, in Enugu State, and was a member of the football team right from my junior years. My seniors at school and in the team then included Louis Igwillo of BCC Lions and Emma Okonkwo, who once played for El-Kanemi (I don’t know his present club).

By the time I got to the senior forms, I was already a regular in the NNPC of Enugu side. In fact, I was using the money I made from the club to pay for my school fees and to buy books and other necessities.

My parents encouraged me to keep up the good work but not to neglect my schooling. Eventually, I was able to effectively combine both, and I got my OND in Mass Communication at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, in 1988.

In 1983, I joined PRODA Football Club of Enugu. I was there till I signed for Rangers in 1986. And from Rangers, I joined my present club, Udoji United, in 1991.

Eagles’ call-up

The first time I was called to the Eagles camp was in 1987. I was a rookie. I had just joined Rangers and must have impressed the coaches of the national team in the few matches I had played.

In camp then were players like Uwem Ekarika, Wole Odegbami and the rest. I was overawed. I was very young and just couldn’t see myself competing against the likes. After a month in camp, I ran back to Enugu. Just packed my bags and whisked out. Whenever I look back at that period, I laugh at myself and put it down to growing up.

I was recalled in 1989 and made the team to Algiers ‘90. When I joined Udoji in the second division, coach Westerhof’s decision not to go for players in the lower divisions cut me out cold. But now Udoji is in the elite group; I’m looking forward to another recall.

Inspiration

I owe much to my uncle, Mathias Obianika, an ex-Rangers player and also their one-time coach. He was the first member of the family to make it in soccer, and he has helped push my career upwards.

My juniors, Ebele at Rangers and Chike at NIPOST, are now following in my footsteps under his guidance.

Best moment

My best moment in football must be when I scored Rangers’ winning goal against IBL of Ilesa during the 1987 First Division League. The match had only two minutes left, and we had a goalless situation. Then we won a corner kick, and an instinct urged me to go forward. Incredibly, the corner kick came flying straight to me, and I firmly nodded it in to win Rangers the game. Not a spectacular goal, but it was immensely rewarding.

Testy times

My first year with Udoji was trying. The second division was tight. There was not enough room to play good football because of the quality of players, so I had problems adjusting. But now that we are in Division One, I am beginning to enjoy my game again.