Daily Trust Saturday

I dream of playing in EPL, Champions League soon

17-year-old Augustine Usoro has said he wants to be a top player recognized in the world as he dreams of playing in the English Premier League and featuring in the UEFA Champions League. Speaking with the AkwaIbom indigene stated further that he adores Li

- Jide Olusola

Can you give us details about yourself? Who is Augustine Usoro?

I am a young aspiring footballer who has dreams of being a top player in the world. I am 17 years old from Akwa-Ibom state.

As a 17-year-old, how much education do you currently have?

Currently, I just finished my secondary school education. I had my primary school education at Ezoti Primary School Edo State, while my secondary school was at Nung Oku Itina Community Secondary School in Akwa Ibom state

How long have you been playing football?

I have been playing football for 13 years. I picked up interest in football when I was four years old. I was always using my break time or free period to play football. I was later discovered in 2015 during a Milo championsh­ip in Edo State.

Which clubs or academies have you played for and currently playing for?

I am currently with Garden City Panthers in Abuja.

What are the challenges you have faced so far?

I won’t say they are challenges per say but the fact that I play with and against other players who are bigger than me in size. But beyond that, I don’t have any major challenges as a young player

How much support do you get from your parents?

My parents have supported me. They give me money when I need to get some things for myself and build up my career.

Have you ever gone abroad for trials with any club?

I have not had any trials abroad yet but I hope to get one soon. I know I will take full advantage to achieve my dreams of playing in Europe.

What is your dream club?

My dream club is Manchester City. I am in love with the team partly because of Pep Guardiola who turned the team into what it is now. I love the way they play controllin­g the game, gaining possession and they score lots of goals. They are so good that teams fear playing against them. And I was happy when they won the Champions League last season. It was like that crowned all their previous successes.

Who is your favourite player?

Liverpool’s defender, Trent Alexander-Arnold. I love how he moves with the ball and crosses them. He is so good on the ball that I

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look forward to watching him play. Also, he scores some freekicks and that is because of his skills on the ball apart from the fact he is a top, world-class defender.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

I want to play in the English Premier League and in the UEFA Champions League as well. I consider these two as the best platforms to be recognized amongst the best players in the world. I know it won’t be an easy task for me to reach that point but with perseveran­ce, endurance, top training and of course with the grace of God, I will get there.

Do you think the Super Eagles can win the AFCON?

I believe the Super Eagles will do well in AFCON. We have one of the best squads if not the best. We expect nothing but the trophy from them. We can’t have Africa’s best player and not emerge as the best team. I know it doesn’t work that way but then we have players who can and should deliver on the pitch.

Do you have any regrets about playing football?

I don’t have any regrets playing football. I am still young but I am determined to succeed as a footballer no matter the odds. I am aware that I will make mistakes but I won’t let them affect me to make me regret playing football.

 ?? ?? Augustine Usoro
Augustine Usoro

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