My son refused Canada, Panama, US for Nigeria – Father of 16-year-old Obasi

Cyril Obasi is the father of a Nigerian youngster footballer, Osinakachi Obasi, based in Canada.

In this interview, the passionate football-loving Parent, alongside his son, Osinakachi tell Blueprint weekend Sports why he preferred his son to play for his fatherland.

My passion for football and decision for my son to wear green and white colours

My name is Cyril Obasi based in Toronto, Canada. I love sports and have been following Nigerian football. Because of my love for sports, I encouraged my son to play football from the age of four. He has been playing active football in Toronto and has played tournaments in United and Spain and has received call-ups for Canada and Panama. But due to my love for my country, I in discussion with him decided to present for Golden Eaglets. In Canada, Nigeria is remembered as one of the best footballing Nations, so we decided to be a positive influence on football in Nigeria and come back for the tryouts.

Adaptation measures

Many People underestimate football in North America. It is getting physical even in places like Spain. It’s getting physical everywhere. Moreover, many of the players in Canada are of African descent and are physical too. During the tryouts, he was just like any other boy who had been born in Africa.

In terms of nutrition, my family eat what we eat here. Okazi soup is his favourite. He is an African. The way we groomed him, he is so grounded in our Nigerian culture. Since we came into Nigeria, we have gone for nothing more than egusi and jollof rice.

Opportunity to feature for Golden Eaglets

Yes, my son has been opportunity to showcase himself but due to the nature of the trials, he has not been able to show his skills to the extent he would have liked, so that Nigerians will see. The coach is trying to accommodate everybody. He’s doing his best but there are lots of people in d tryout so they try to apportion time.

Additional value from Obasi

Yes, I’ve watched the Golden Eaglets play and I think my son will be a great addition to the team especially in scoring goals. For four years, he was highest goal scorer in two teams he has played for. If he is given the opportunity, I believe it will be goals! Goals! Goals! Obasi has the skills to solve goal-scoring issues.

Osinakachi – My playing position

I play as a striker. My strength is in my speed. I’m very fast.

My role model in Nigeria

kanu Nwankwo and Jay Jay Okocha are my role models due to how they attack when they were players. I’m always attack-minded. That’s why I score like scoring goals.

Challenges in Golden Eaglets

Since I’m new, it’s going to take longer time for them to trust me. When we’re passing the ball, they don’t know what I can do. They’ve been playing together for a while. Also, I’m learning to get use to how to communicate with them because that’s a big part of the game. Every team has to understand each other so far to make big impact.

I believe that teamwork is very important. You have 11 men working together for a goal. During one of the days at trial, I had opportunities to score but I have to pass it to another who I felt was in better position to score. So, I passed the ball because maybe my teammate was more open or had a better chance to score.

Playing time since birth

I have been playing since I was four years old and actually played competitive football when I turned six years.

Working with Golden Eaglets

I try to show more or make myself available, and when I’m playing on the wing, I come in more to get the ball. My sole aim always is to assist the any team I’m playing for to win. My aim is to reach the top in my profession as a young footballer.

Even though my major concern is ensuring my team do well, it’s my desire to gain more experience and advance my career.

Dream club

My dream club is Chelsea despite their performance now. I have always liked how Lampard, Drogba and now Hazard play. It will be a dream come true if I play for the club as I move on.

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