Flying Eagles Invitee Lawal Eyes Nigerian Glory

Listed in a 40-man Flying Eagles squad by coach Ladan Bosso for screening ahead of next month’s WAFU B U20 Championship taking place in Niamey, capital of Niger Republic, Samson Adeniran Lawal, the enterprising Katsina United midfielder, said nothing is as sweet as being called upon to represent one’s country.
Surely, Lawal can be forgiven for being overreached with joy after he missed representing the country earlier at the national U-17 level in some inexplicable circumstances last year.
“I felt so disheartened when I was rejected for the Golden Eaglets in 2021,” the Ibadan-born midfield grafter told NationSport.
“ I understood the coaching team because I went late for the Under 17 trials which I believed they had already seen many players but it never disturbed my drive and determination because I believed strongly my chance would come again which God has now given me with call up for the U-20 national team.
“I feel elated with the chance to play for Nigeria at the U-20 level because nothing is better than representing your country; I give all the glory to Almighty Allah
“I just want to do my best and show the coaching crew and the whole world my ability and make my family and the whole country proud,” he enthused.
Of course, a golden fish has no hidden place because following the failure to earn a spot with the Golden Eaglets under coach Fatai Amoo, Lawal, an upstart with Ibadan Pro Football Academy was offered a once in a life time chance of playing in the elite Nigeria Professional Football League(NPFL) with Katsina United.
“After I left the U-17 trials, I was extremely driven and worked much harder,” he stated.
“ The technical director of Katsina United then invited me for trials and they were convinced of my abilities and signed me for the team there and then.
“Since I joined Katsina United, I have been treated extremely well and this has helped my confidence and elevated my performance as this is the biggest football stage within Nigerian domestic league/
“ The coaches and the senior players have helped me and I have played around 15 matches so far this season.”
Newly signed Katsina United coach Usman Abdallah is indeed full of praises for the youngster, adding he would be one of the future stars if he keeps his work rate and humility.
“ Samson Lawal is one of the young players that I met on my arrival at Katsina United and I’m so much impressed with him,” said the former Enyimba coach who was recently named Super Eagles assistant coach. “He is a very good player and I’m impressed with him; he is a player that would be ready for the NPFL in the next two years.