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By Amaechi Agbo

Former Golden Eaglets coach, Samuel Abimbola has lauded the humble virtue exhibited by Super Eagles defender, Kenneth Omeruo

Speaking at the unveiling of Kenneth Omeruo Football Academy In Gwarinpa Abuja last week, the former assistant coach of the 2009 Golden Eaglets commended the Leganes of Spain player for deeming it necessary to give back to the society where he was 11 years ago, discovered.

Coach Abimbola who was recently elevated to the position of Elder in his church, The Christ Apostolic Church, commended Omeruo for the path he has taken in given live and hope to talented players.

“From the day one I had contact with Kenneth, I knew that he would go to places. He is a guy that river of kindness is flowing through his heart. I am not surprised that he is trying to give back to what has given him fame.

“I want to use him as role model to others that when you go across the deep rivers, don’t forget those that are still waiting to come along. I will liken Omeruo’s predisposition to the Bible where ten lepers were cured by Jesus Christ but it was only one that went back to Jesus Christ to offer appreciation. That is what Omeruo is doing.

“A lot of them (players that played in 2009 FIFA U-17 World) have made it and have achieved a lot in their careers, but how many of them have thought it wise to give back to the community where they took off from?

“I want to congratulate him for the step and path he has taken. God Almighty will back him up in Jesus name.

“Omeruo is a living witness because I go as a grassroots man. From Abuja to Port Harcourt, Lagos to Akwa Ibom, Kadunna to Benue, I can count how we traversed the nooks and crannies of the Nigeria states in search of players during the 2009 U-17 World Cup in Nigeria. We selected over 12 players in the course of the search. The likes of Ajagun, Ramon Azeez, Ganiyu Ogungbe,          Olarenwaju Kayode. A lot of them were discovered during that tournament.

“Omeruo will call me sometimes when I least expected it. When he called me and informed me that his trial is coming up, joyfully, with every enthusiasm … I lost my mother in-law but I could not go because I felt I needed to be around in this project, to honour this young man that is giving back to the society,” he said.

Kenneth Omeruo was discovered during the FIFA U-17 World Cup held in Nigeria in 2009. The team was led by Coach John Sam Obuh and assisted by Coach Samuel Abimbola.

Nigeria won silver after they lost 1-0 to winners Switzerland in the final of the tournament played in Abuja on November 15.