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By Amaechi Agbo

Unto Abia State – the God’s Own State and number one state in Nigeria –  a child was  born but unto Nigeria, a football star is given.

Football stakeholders have consistently emphasised the need for effective grassroots football programme due to its rich advantage in discovering and nurturing future stars for the various Nigerian national teams, clubs and academies.

Abia state football administrators and coaches have keyed into this philosophy in  organising grassroots football competitions not only to keep the players out of the streets but also to ensure that their hidden talents are discovered, nurtured and taken to greater height.

Not unexpectedly, a star has arisen from the east and is set to shine in Nigeria football horison.

Ibekwe Chukwuebuka Eugene, is the star. At 15 years of age, Ibekwe Chukwuebuka Eugene has become a household name in football not only in Abia state but within the south East region.

And findings by this paper shows that the young teenager is also making waves in the Federation Capital Territory, FCT where some coaches who watched him display his God-giving potential early this year have continued to marvel at his football talent.

Like a star in a cloudy night, Chukwuebuka is rising to shine and offer light to Nigeria football atmosphere.

*His Discovery*

Most times when coaches, administrators, football academy owners organise grassroots football competitions, they may not know what the programme will end or bring on board for the future.

So, earlier this year during the Stella Rick Super Six U-19 Tournament at Nanka, Anambra state, Chukwuebuka rose from among giants and took home the MOST VALUABLE PLAYER, MVP of the completion at the little age of 15.

His football prowess wowed both the organisers and fans alike who eulogised his talent and pronounced him “a future star.”

A product and member of FC Ngadiuba Soccer Academy, Abia State,
Ebuka is nimble footed, aggressive, quick on the ball with excellent precision in football decision at a split of second.

Good with both legs, Chukwuebuka (Ebuka for short) has the speed of a jet with thunderbolt power to score goals from outside 18 yard box.

The young footballer who can play in four different roles – left and right wings, top striker and supporting striker (8) handles them with great aplomb

He brings to his team, balance, creativity, speed and vision.

As a winger, his ‘Ifeanyi Udeze’ speed and ‘Jay Jay Okocha’ dribbling ability leaves his marks on the turf, down and out.

As a top striker, he has Eagle eyes for goals and his shooting range has been described as far above his age.
When he coordinates the middle of the park, he creates vision, stimulates play and gives direction and purpose for the team.

He play’s with the heart of a lion as an attacker, aggressive, fearless, composed, confident, accurate.

It is no wonder he is called “Aguero” a name given to him by fans and coaches who after watching him play, likened his style of football to that of Manchester City and Argentina striker, Kun Aguero.

Fans and football administrators alike are of the view that with the U-17 National team set to regroup ahead of WAFU tournament, his inclusion in the team will be a deserving one.