Kelechi Iheanacho, Nigeria’s prodigious youth
football star, who won the Golden Ball at 2013 FIFA U-16 World cup, may have
seen the ‘golden future.’ He’s so sure that someday he will become the world
best.
Watching the Ballon D’Or yesterday evening, he could
see himself in Cristiano Ronaldo, who won the FIFA Player of the year award for
the 3rd time, and Iheanacho was burning inside
“I can identify with Ronaldo’s story. Right when I was
younger, maybe age 10, 11 or so. I began to see these things replay severally
in my mind - as I walk up the aisle and mount the podium at the Ballon D’Or to
receive FIFA World footballer of the year award.”
“I know like I am so sure that this dream will come to
pass. This is where I set my gaze! It has been my motivating factor to work
really hard and to go the extra mile to make my own miracles.” Iheanacho
explained.
The young lad impressed at Manchester City tour in
2014, after he scored the last goal of City’s 4 – 1 win at Sporting Park and Manuel
Pellegrini, Manchester City Manager, was convinced he has a bright future in
the game:
“He demonstrated today what he can do in the future.
It depends on the way he takes this profession, but I think he’s a very good
talent.” Pellegrini concluded.
At 17 years old, it was difficult to secure a work
permit for him in UK, but the management of Manchester city are doing all they
can and if everything works out well, Iheanacho may soon join city’s first team
– that will be a plus toward his golden dreams.
Meanwhile, he will be joining Nigeria U-20 national
team to tackle their hard hitting opponents at the African Youth Championship
(AWC) in March this year.
Flying Eagles of Nigeria will face the host Senegal,
Congo and Cote d’Ivoire in Group A. While Ghana, South Africa, Mali and Zambia were
placed in Group B.
Iheanacho and his teammates, the victorious Golden
Eagles that won FIFA U16 World cup in 2013, may have all graduated into the U20
side. Nigerians has great expectations concerning the new Flying Eagles. They
hope the boys will continue in their winning spree and to qualify for the World
Youth Championship.
Nigeria would Open Group A play against host Senegal
on March 8, 2015 at the Leopold Senghor Stadium before Congo and then, Cote d’Ivoire.
The semi finalists will represent the continent at the 2015 FIFA U20 World cup
in New Zealand.
AYC isn’t the target for Iheanacho, but Nigeria must
first earn their ticket to participate in World Youth Championship. There,
Iheanancho plans to take the world by storm – watch out for him!
