Young Idoma footballers making waves abroad

In the world of football, talent knows no boundaries, and for a group of young Nigerian players hailing from the Idoma region, the world has become their stage. These rising stars have been making waves abroad with their exceptional skills, determination, and passion for the beautiful game.

Let’s take a closer look at some of these talented athletes who are leaving their mark on the global football scene, IDOMA VOICE reports.

Abel Ogwuche: A Towering Talent in Sweden
Born on July 6, 2003, Abel Ogwuche is a promising Nigerian footballer who currently shines as a center-back for Swedish side Trelleborgs FF. Ogwuche’s journey to Trelleborgs began at the Tripple 44 Academy in Ibadan, Nigeria. In February 2022, he embarked on a trial period with Trelleborgs FF, impressing the coaching staff with his skills and commitment. Just a month later, he signed a short-term deal with the club, showcasing his potential on the international stage. Ogwuche made his Superettan debut for Trelleborgs in August 2022 and has continued to grow as a player. In November 2022, the club announced a professional contract extension, keeping him with Trelleborgs until 2026, with the option to extend further. Trelleborgs sports director Salif Camara Jönsson believes Ogwuche has substantial potential, especially in aerial and duel play. This young talent is not only representing Idoma but also Nigeria with pride, as he was named in the Nigerian squad for the AFCON under-20 tournament in January 2023.

Anthony Ujah: A Forward on the Rise
Born on October 14, 1990, Anthony Ujah is a Nigerian professional footballer who currently plays as a forward for German club Eintracht Braunschweig and the Nigerian national team.

Ujah’s football journey began in the little town of Ugbokolo in Nigeriaese budding stars from the heartland of Nigeria are making waves abroad, catching the eyes of scouts and fans alike. Let’s take a closer look at some of these remarkable talents who are proudly representing Nigeria on the global stage.

Ogenyi Eddy Onazi: A Midfield Maestro in Hong Kong
Born on December 25, 1992, Ogenyi Eddy Onazi is a name synonymous with Nigerian football. Currently plying his trade as a central midfielder for Hong Kong Premier League club Kitchee, Onazi has also been an integral part of the Nigerian national team, contributing to their Africa Cup of Nations triumph in 2013.

But it wasn’t always a glamorous path for Onazi. His football journey began on the streets of Jos in 1998, where his exceptional skills quickly caught the attention of scouts and paved the way for him to play in several academies in the city. However, it was in Lagos, playing for My People, that his footballing abilities truly came to prominence. Now, he continues to shine in Hong Kong, proving that talent knows no borders.

Akor Jerome Adams: A Forward with a Bright Future
Born on January 29, 2000, Akor Jerome Adams is an exciting Nigerian forward who currently plies his trade with Ligue 1 club Montpellier. His journey to professional football began in August 2018 when he joined Norwegian side Sogndal from the Jamba Football Academy in Nigeria. Despite facing adversity in the form of injury that sidelined him for much of the 2020 season, Adams showcased his prowess, ending the 2021 season with an impressive tally of 10 goals in 28 games. His talent didn’t go unnoticed, leading to a three-year contract with Lillestrøm in December 2021. He made his mark with an exciting debut, scoring against Nardo in a cup match and adding to his impressive debut by netting a goal in a thrilling 2–2 draw against HamKam in the Eliteserien. In August 2023, Adams took his talents to the next level by joining Ligue 1 giants, Montpellier.

Moses Simon: Rising from GBS Academy to Ligue 1 Stardom
Born on July 12, 1995, Moses Daddy-Ajala Simon is a Nigerian forward who currently graces Ligue 1 with Nantes and represents the Nigerian national team. His football journey began in Jos, where his father’s military service didn’t deter him from pursuing his dreams. Simon emerged as a product of the famed GBS Academy in Nigeria, which also produced stars like Ahmed Musa. His talents attracted attention from professional clubs around the world, including Premier League giants Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.

Paul Onobi: A Rising Star on the Horizon

Paul Onobi is a talented Nigerian midfielder who currently plies his trade with Al-Shabab FC of Oman.
Before his journey overseas, Onobi was with Rivers United FC of Port Harcourt.