AFTER a successful debut season in the Norwegian League, where his team placed sixth, FC Laugesund’s attacking midfielder Ugonna Anyora believes he can play in one of the under-age teams in the country.
The 19-year old said that getting an invitation to fight for a place in the U-20 team would be a good beginning for him, stating: “All I am asking for is a chance to prove that I can add quality to the squad being assembled by John Obuh for the African Youth Championship next year.
“My dream has been to play for the country and since I have gone abroad and become a better player, I believe I am prepared to contribute my quota to any team that I am invited to.
I am also aware that we have good players in the team but I think I can bring my attacking flair from the midfield to help team.”
When he left the country for trial last year, Anyora did not know what to expect, but he was certain of doing everything possible to impress.
He said: “When I got to Norway, it was cold and snowy but I played my first trial game and scored with my first touch, having come in as a second half substitute.”
Other impressive performances endeared him to club officials and he was signed on but had to travel down to Nigeria, where he waited for six month before rejoining the team. He said:
“I must say here that I was not frightened when I got to Norway because football is the same everywhere. The major challenge was playing some of the trial games in the snow, which I overcame with good performances.”
The Inger Academy of Enugu former player, who was discovered at the C. Woerman Football Championship last year, said the training he got in his club has really improved him, stating: “I would forever be grateful to my club.
They gave me the break I needed as well as the type of training that would make me a better player.
“Unlike in Nigeria where the welfare of players is toyed with, the foreign clubs make players’ welfare paramount. In my club, they ensure the players are happy because that is how they can get the best out of us and whenever you have any problem, they will come to your aid promptly.”
He argued that the Tapper League should not be considered inferior but a good beginning for young African players that want to make it big in the game.
He is also happy that he has not suffered racism in the first season, describing Norwegian fans as one of the best in Europe.
Apart from playing in the national team, the youngster, who says his role model is Zinedane Zidane, believes he will find his way into one of the top European leagues in the near future.
He remarked: “Like I said earlier, the Norwegian League is a good starting point for young Africans. So, I hope to take my game to central Europe in no distant future.”
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