A Nigerian youngster based in Alabama, USA, Ezekiel Osiele has promised to use his God-given talent and abilities to further showcase the values and quality of Delta State, where his parents hail from, as he wants to make top marks in his chosen career at home and abroad, megasportsarena.com reports.
Osiele noted that Delta State produced Nigerian soccer legends like Sunday Ogorchukwu Oliseh, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha and Victor Ikpeba, who he wants to rank alongside in years to come when the annals of Nigerian football are read out in glowing terms.
A report by Asaba-based journalist, Jerome-Mario Utomi revealed that Osiele is thinking of his roots, even in a season when Nigerians are being killed daily abroad, as the indigene of Alihama in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State says he wants to make his family, fellow indigenes and the entire Nigerian nation proud in United States of America (USA).
The 15-year-old Osiele, who relocated with his parent to God’s Own Country in 2016 and is now thinking of getting an invitation to the Nigerian under-17 national team, Golden Eaglets, joined Alabama-based Soccer for Life (SFL) Academy in 2017, immediately after which he played 16 league matches and scored 10 goals, emerging the highest goal scorer.
The academy’s manager, Henry Perales described Osiele, as a disciplined and dedicated lad that will someday be rated among the world bests, as he believes the kid’s ability to show such immense talents at an early age shows that he will definitely go places.
Perales stated: “Osiele plays for us, giving a lot of character, discipline and dedication. He will attend all practice and give his 100% in and out of the pitch.
“I’m sure Osiele will give his all and show what he is all about. I will be pleased to attend to questions or concerns about Osiele from any quarter.”
On his part, Osiele stressed his willingness to use his talent to serve both Delta State and Nigeria at large in whatever capacity he is offered, but vowed that he will also keep working hard on his personal aspects of the round leather game in order to project his country’s image higher, as he wants to think of what he can give his fatherland before asking for favours.
He concluded with an appeal to Delta State governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeany Okowa, the sports commission chairman, all football stakeholders and Nigerians from all walks of life to keep him in mind, key into his dreams from The Diaspora and assist him to realize his objectives.
Osiele submitted: “Playing for my fatherland is my dream. And I am willing to answer the call at any given time. And it is a day I am looking forward to and by God’s grace, I hope the day will come soonest and I will do the nation proud.”
