Villarreal of Spain winger, Samuel Chukwueze has been lined with a possible summer transfer to join his close friend Victor Osimhen at SSC Napoli of Italy, barely 24 hours after he paid a visit to former Abia State governor, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, megasportsarena.com reports.
No sooner had reports emerged that the lad who grew up in the state’s capital, Umuahia had taken yet another step in his tradition of paying homage to elders in the land of his origin than it was also revealed that Chukwueze could be on his way to joining recently signed Osimhen at Naples; where both Chile 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup revelations could form a lethal force next season.
This came on the heels of reports that Chukwueze’s latest show of respect for tradition, elders, community leaders and political bigwigs in ‘God’s Own State’ saw him travel to the residence of Kalu at the ex-governor-turned-senator’s mansion at his hometown of Igbere, Abia State.
The left-footed product of Diamond Football Academy of Umuahia made the paid the visit in company of a large entourage of associates, as he reckoned he need to continue showing a good image of the state, where he has been acclaimed as a worthy ambassador of the Abia People.
Since popping to limelight as the third highest goals scorer at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile, Chukwueze has boomed into a glorious career for club and country in only five years, and was part of the Super Eagles’ squad that won bronze at last year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
He used the occasion of his visit to thank Kalu for being a father figure to him and for the roles he played during his time as governor in seeing that Enyimba of Aba became the first Nigerian club to win the CAF Champions League in 2003 and won it again the following year.
The fair-skinned lad disclosed that he was excited with the opportunity to finally meet the ex-governor and be hosted by the football lover fondly called OUK, to whom he then presented his signed Spanish LaLiga club jersey to the serving distinguished senator.
The visit came just over a year after Chukwueze paid a similar visit to the state’s current governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu at Government House in Umuahia on July 22, 2019 to formally present the bronze medal he won at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt.
He was led on that visit by Diamond Academy founder and member representing Umuahia East constituency in Abia House of Assembly, Honorable Chukwudi Apugo, who revealed that the Ibeku-born footballer appreciates all the support he receiving from the people and government of the state that also has Abia Warriors FC in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL).
Chukwueze was advised by Ikpeazu during the visit that he should avoid pride and reckless living but remain humble and hardworking, in order not to undermine his talent, while also urging him to avoid being misled by his early success, as he should stay focused and pray towards building a solid career that will last long.
Ikpeazu added back then: “You are a young man with prodigious talent. But you must know that talent can showcase you but you need to work very hard to remain at the top. Talent is not enough to keep you at the very top of your game for too long. You must work extra hard. You must take your trainings seriously. You must be humble.
“You must respect your coaches and take their instructions seriously. If training is starting by 6pm, get there at 5. This is professional soccer, a career that has the potential of making you a multi millionaire. You must take it very seriously. You have all it takes to become the best player in the world. I have watched you play and I mean what I am saying.
“The easiest way to destroy your career is to become proud. Once pride sets in, you are finished. I have seen players … good players … who had the world at their feet but pride didn’t allow them excel. Remain humble. Remember where you are coming from, your poor parents. Stay safe in Europe. Avoid drugs and drinking.”
