By GBOLAHAN DADA
Remember Christian Obodo, Christopher Nwosu, Christopher Ohenhen, Chris Anigala, Christian Chukwu and other great ex-internationals who bear similar first names while donning the national colours playing their hearts out for Nigeria.
But for Christian Akannoh, a youthful star playing in the Swedish league, it is just another opportunity for him to carve an inch for himself in the round leather game as he intensifies quest to make the best of the time in Sweden and he is not ready to walk under the shadows of any ex-player.
In a WhatsApp chat, Akannoh revealed his plans and aspirations for the game and how he intends to break into the limelight of the great stars who had contributed immensely to the game both locally and internationally.
A right winger who plays for a Swedish side, Asarums IF FK, is working tirelessly to justify his career by helping his lowly rated club move out of the fourth division of the Swedish league next season.
“Although, I am aspiring to play in a very competitive league and in a bigger club in Europe but what is more important is to have a regular playing time. To get very good performance this season and get a chance to play in any good club where my potentials would be well displayed and get more fans,’ he said.
The 21-year-old player believes Nigeria is blessed with quality players across the world but he is capable of breaking into the elite rank of great players.
“With God by my side and hard work, I know I can make it to the top. It is not easy to enter the senior team because of the quality of players in the team. We have experienced players who are determined to turn around the fortunes of the team but nothing is impossible for God. I will try my best to make a mark,” he added.
Recently, Akannoh and Odunayo
Ayonuga were part of the new discoveries who left Nigeria to begin their professional careers at Swedish
club Mjallby AIF.
Akannoh and Ayonuga were offered contracts by
the Division 1 Södra team after showing off their skills to the coaching staff
during trials. For the time being, they represented MAIF in the Under-19 League before
settling down to their respective clubs in Sweden.
“I scored nine goals in 14 matches before signing for Asarums last
season,” he said.
