Three Nigerians, who are from the Montverde Academy, have signed to play American football with colleges in the United States at a ceremony on Wednesday.
The signing which took place at the Montverde Academy’s new gym, saw Abdul Bello, Taiwo Oluwafunmila and Franklin Agbasimere sign for FSU, Missouri State and Missouri respectively.
It is a remarkable feat for these young boys who have been playing football for just a short time due to the unpopular nature of the game in Nigeria.
Oluwafunmila said he was first introduced to football a year ago at a camp in Nigeria.
“I am pretty excited to play a year of football and be able to get a D-I scholarship,” Oluwafunmila said. “I never thought something like this would happen for me.”
Agbasimere revealed he had to convert to football after spending most of his life as a basketball player. “People used to tell me I was too strong to play basketball, or that I wasn’t big enough to be a forward. I just felt like I fit in as a football player,” Agbasimere said. “I want to be a good football player and if the possibilities exist, I want to get to the next level.”
Aisha Bello, older sister of Abdul Bello, was in attendance to support and cheer her brother.
An elated Abdul expressed his joy to see his sister, who made the trip from Nigeria, to encourage him.
“The way I feel about it is it’s a great day and it is even greater because my sister came,” he said. “I have seen myself improve every day and I am thankful and appreciative of everything every body has done for me. I don’t think it will be intimidating for me at FSU. I am looking forward to working with the best players. I am happy, happy.”
About the Author: Arinze Ude (@arturozinga) is an aspiring cancer research scientist with a master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences (Haematology). He is keen on building partnerships and managing the careers of Nigerian sportsmen and women. He blogs at http://arturozinga.wordpress.com
