AFCON win will open doors for my son - Oboabona's Mother

[Folami David]

Mother of Super Eagles defender Godfrey Oboabona, Victoria Oboabona told SHINA OLUDARE that AFCON
win has attracted many Nigerians to his family Mama, could you tell us how your son, Godfrey, started his football career?
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My son started playing football at the age of two. He would kick anything spherical in the house. When we realized this interest, we bought him balls and his friends would join him to play. And I must tell you that most times, he would sleep with his balls. He played for his primary school and would later captain his secondary school. He later joined Sunshine Stars after a brief stay with Rising Stars Academy.
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Was there any point in time you discouraged him from playing?
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I never tried it at all. Godfrey is destined to play football and I am always happy seeing him play. When you look at this family, we are all sports men and women. His father played football when he was young, his immediate elder brother is a member of the National Volleyball team, even my third son plays cricket as batman. Sports run in the family and we are happy about that.
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So what were the challenges raising him to stardom? (Laughs)... There are so many. As a rookie, we would get him all forms of kits and boots that suit all playing condition. I think when you calculate all he spent on kits alone, that is a whole lot of money. Most times when he sustains injury, I would go through sleepless nights to see that he gets healed quickly. The challenges are so numerous but I thank God that the rest is history today.
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What was your immediate reaction when he was selected among the national team players for the just concluded Nations Cup in South Africa?
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Waoh! I was very happy because I never believed it initially. I danced round almost all the streets. It was a dream comes true for my son because he dreamt of putting on the green and white jerseys of the country and he has achieved it against all odds. I will like to thank Stephen Keshi at this juncture for giving him this golden chance.
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Since his debut as Super Eagles player, how would you describe his progress so far and how does it feel as a mother of a talented player like him?
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I feel very good and proud. I must confess that everyone in our neighborhood and beyond now wants to associate themselves with me which has not been the case before. People would stop whatever they are doing to say 'hi' to me. They make me feel like I am the mother of the President of America... (laughs).
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What exactly do you think has led to his sudden rise to stardom?
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It's all about God. I'm the praying type and I never ceased praying for his success. Apart from this, Godfrey is a hardworking boy. He would never relent in a bid to achieve whatever he wants to achieve.
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Another key factor of his progress is his humility. Any message to Nigerians?
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God bless Nigerians for their support. May God never let them down. I also thank all his coaches right from childhood. God bless you all.

[Shola Sholaz]

her son really tried in the tournament.he played very well throughout