Former schoolboy international David Nworah has told SCORENigeria featuring for Nigeria at U17 level National team was both a highlight and an all-time downer in his career.
The midfielder, who played for Saudi Arabia team Al Ansar last season, also talked about his personal life and career thus far.
The full interview:
SCORENIGERIA: Where did you start your career?
NWORAH: I started in Onitsha with Solut FC. Some of the people that we played together in Onitsha are Uche Okanta he is in Albania, Peter Ekeh is in Sweden and Simeon Nwankwo in Crotone(Italy).
You were part of the Nigeria U17 in 2010, how did you feel?
It was like a miracle to me because I wasn’t expecting it. I was with Enugu Rangers feeders team then and was not involved in the main team under coach Alphonsus Dike. The coach liked me, but you know as it is in Nigeria the coach was under pressure not to feature me because I was too young.
He promised to introduce me to the U17 coach, Monday Odigie, which he did and thank God I did well. I was so excited.
However, the team did not qualify for the African championship. That must have been a big disappointment.
It was the saddest moment of my career and at the same time the best thing to have happened to me as it gave me the opportunity to get a transfer to Morocco. I believe playing in the championship would have given me the chance to play for bigger team in Europe, but I thank God for where I am today.
You played for Olympic Club de Safi in Morocco, how was the experience?
I was just 16 when I joined the club. My first two years were very difficult – the language, food and everything were different from where I was coming from.
You played in Nigeria league for Gabros before you joined Olympic Club de Safi. How do the two leagues compare?
We can’t compare both. The Moroccan league is one of the best in Africa. Everything about the league is better than the Nigerian league. The playing turf, the training pitch, training facilities. The club give you where to stay or even get an apartment for you. They pay better money and most of the time promptly. You get to watch your games on TV a day after your games, after it was shown live too.
You have played in Morocco, South Africa, Bahrain, Oman, Malta and Saudi Arabia, where have you enjoyed the most?
All the countries where I have played football has been good but I enjoyed myself most in Morocco because I was there for four years, but in terms of money Saudi Arabia was the best.
You did not get chance as wanted in U23 after the U17 team, how do you feel?
I was invited by coach Samson Siasia to the national U23 team after I was named in the Moroccan league Team of the 2014/2015 season. I was there with the likes of (Oghenekaro) Etebo in preparation for African championship, but I was recalled by my club because I was needed as we were in a difficult position in the league then. I had to go because my club came first then.
What’s your best achievement so far?
I have not won any trophy, but I have often won Man of the Match and Player of the Season awards.
What is your favourite food?
I eat all good food from Nigeria.
Where is your best holiday destination?
Malta is a very good place for holidays, have fun and enjoy, but my family is in Finland, so I enjoy being around them too.
Which coach encouraged you most?
All the coach I played under loved and encouraged me at different point but I will choose the Olympic de Safi coach. He brought me from feeders team to the main team.
What more do you still wish to achieve in the game?
I want to play in the big leagues, Italy, Spain, England and Germany.
Who is your role model?
I love Ogenyi Onazi and Ramon Azeez, they play the way I play, so I love it when I watch them play. Also Ngolo Kante.
Which is the toughest game you have played?
That was last season when my club Al Ansar lost 5-0 to Ahmed Musa’s club Al Nasr in a Ccup game. I played so well, it was a tough game, but we lost.
Great talking to you.
Thank you too.
