Rising football talent Mac-Ford Akhabue has revealed his admiration for Super Eagles star and on-loan Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, naming him as his role model.
The 18-year-old defender, who currently plays for Oakville Blue Devils in Canada, credits Osimhen’s work ethic, determination, and resilience as key factors that have inspired his football journey.
Akhabue, a central defender, expressed his deep respect for Osimhen, describing him as a “complete footballer of this generation.”
The young prospect, who previously played for High Park FC and won the New York Cup with Bryst Academy, is eager to follow in the footsteps of his fellow Edo-born footballer.
“I will say my role model is Victor Osimhen,” Akhabue stated. “Apart from coming from my tribe, Esan, Edo State, he has been motivating me in a way. He worked hard to be where he is today in football, globally.”
“His work rate, dedication, determination to excel, and talent was it for me, and ever since I started monitoring him, I see him as a player any serious aspiring young lad should emulate in order to go higher in the game.”
Akhabue’s journey in football began at a young age, with notable performances in youth competitions. He was a finalist in the U-17 Imodel Cup and played in the Imodel League at just 15 years old. His consistent progress in the game has fueled his ambition to elevate his career beyond Canada and gain international recognition.
“My desire is to take my football artistry beyond my community and export it abroad to achieve success,” he said. The talented defender has his sights set on playing in League 2 and League 1 (semi-professional leagues) this summer, hoping to take the next step in his career.
A strong and composed centre-back, Akhabue is eager to represent Nigeria at the highest level. His dream is to don the green and white jersey of the Super Eagles, just like his idol Osimhen.
“I want to play for Nigeria, like Osimhen is doing at the moment. That is my ambition, and I look forward to working towards that,” he added.
With his dedication and clear vision for the future, Akhabue is poised to make significant strides in his career. As he continues to develop his skills and gain experience, his aspiration to play for Nigeria and make a name for himself in international football appears to be well within reach.
As young footballers continue to look up to role models like Osimhen, Akhabue’s journey serves as a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and inspiration in achieving success on the global stage.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members