In the summer of 2014, I interviewed a certain Kingsley Sokari. Enyimba had just finished a training session and Coach Ikhana had left the stadium. I sat or rather stood with this Prodigy whose been touted for big things and we had a nice two-aside. I coughed out a nice article for the League Management Company from that meeting.
A couple of moons later, attention shifted to a certain Mfon Udoh. He had literally lit up the League with his pace, dribbles and goals. In fact, watching Enyimba in those seasons – you had Mfon on one flank and Andrew Abalogu on the other. The rumor was that a few Eyptian clubs were circling around him. Surely this would be one of Nigeria’s biggest exports.
Meanwhile, Sokari would sign for CS Sfaxien in Tunisia and would put in 6 solid seasons for them. Mfon’s trajectory was less than stellar. Enyimba’s hierarchy refused to let him leave after that record breaking season. He would be beset by injuries the following season but returned in time to help Enyimba reclaim their League title with Warri Wolves in second.
Mfon eventually left Enyimba after a 5 year stay and League records but rather than go abroad, he went back home to Akwa United. His next move was to FC Tulsa in the US and then to Bangladesh where he current is plying his craft. This post is not to remind you of what things you know already but ill get there in a bit.
Rabiu Ali is today regarded as one of the best and most important footballers in the country – at least on the local front. He made his bow at Kano Pillars in 2009 and has put in 16 seasons playing for them. Most likely, there would have been offers for him abroad but he’s remained in the League, with Kano Pillars and created legend for himself.
Now onto my point – the career of a footballer is quite short. In fact, except you are Cristiano Ronaldo, by age 40, you’re retired. The rest of your age mates have another 25 to 30 years before they do. And so, this career is over before it gets started (they say life starts at 40). Add the fun fact that alot of footballers have an official age and their real ages.
Sometimes you can’t fault a player who gets the offer to make more and maximize their income. However, like they say, there are too many factors in play for you to accurately predict how things will pan out. For instance, when Mfon moved to America, I felt he needed a little more time to show what he was about. But he was a mid-season acquisition and he rarely got in rhythm before his contract expired.
The grass isn’t always greener on the other side and that may be due to alot of factors. Some within your control – performance, attitude, technical ability etc. Sometimes it’s about timing. The prevalent culture/environment of the new club. Sometimes, it’s just outrightly a bad move.
I support footballers going to countries or teams where their values are adequately compensated. I also think you need divine guidance to know if you should do a “Rabiu Ali” or join the thousands moving up and down. Emiliano Sala is a name we may never forget. He was enroute a transfer from Nantes to Cardiff when he had a plane crash and he died before the deal was concluded.
Ill say this – don’t be in a hurry to jump off to unknown greener pastures, take time to ensure you have the divine “Green light”. Otherwise just sit in and be king where you currently rule.
Back tomorrow
‘EnyimbaEnyi
