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From Ajegunle to Italy: Super Eagles hopeful David Okereke details his rise to stardom from Nigeria to Cremonese.
Nigerian professional footballer David Chidozie Okereke has been one name fans have been excited about in recent times.
The 25-year-old had an impressive season in Italy last year with Cremonese.
In an exclusive interview with Pulse Sports, Okereke details his rise to stardom.
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Passion for football
According to Okereke, he developed a passion for football at a very young age.
He details the difficulties he faced in pursuing his dream of becoming a professional footballer.
He said, “This has been a passion for me for the longest time.
Looking back, to those days when I had to trek a distance to go for training and football trials. It wasn't easy. Looking at where I am now, I guess it was worth it.
Okereke then talked about the role his parents played in achieving his dream.
Like most Nigerian parents, there was reluctance at first, but eventually, he was able to get help from them.
“At first, I struggled to win their support. You know how Nigerian parents want every child to go to school and not play football.
“But at the end of the day, they turned around and started giving me their support,” he said.
Battle to succeed
According to Okereke, it was not easy to get to where he is, as it required a lot of sacrifices in the early stages.
From money problems to the difficulty of training hard, trials helped build his resilience.
He said, “I'll be honest, it was quite difficult at the beginning. The sacrifices, trials, in addition to the days of having no money to go to training.”
Okereke in Italy
He detailed to Tosin Abayomi of Pulse Sports how he sees Italy as his second home and has not experienced any form of racism, along with the excitement at the San Siro.
“Italy is my second home, after Nigeria. I feel at home here. Almost all my friends stay here. It is a lovely country.
“I count myself lucky thus far, to have not experienced any [racism] in my time here,” Okereke added.
Okereke became the second Cremonese player to score at the San Siro against both Inter Milan and AC Milan in the same season, creating history in the Italian Serie A.
He explained that the achievement is not one he takes lightly, as it will forever live with him.
He said, “I can't describe the feeling because it was like a dream playing and scoring at the San Siro.
“It is an experience I will forever hold on to, dearly.
Super Eagles dream
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have officially secured a return to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after missing out on the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Okereke, after an outstanding season with Cremonense in the Italian top flight, was disappointed not to be included in the team during the last international break.
Playing for the Nigerian Olympic team was the best moment of Okereke's career.
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He said, "I would say it was my first game for the Nigeria U23 team. "
"That was the first game, with my family members watching me play."
However, he is excited that he will get an opportunity to wear the Green and White soon.
He added, “It is an extra motivation to keep working hard.
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“We have lots of amazing players in the Super Eagles, and certainly, the coach can't call up everyone. By the Grace of God, I will get my call up at the right time.”
Conclusion
Now an accomplished footballer, Okereke, born to Igbo parents and growing up in Ajegunle, Lagos, is delighted at his journey to success.
He concluded by saying, “I feel fulfilled, excited, and blessed. It is a dream come true.”
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According to rumors, Cremonese wants €6 million in exchange for their Nigerian forward, David Okereke.
Cremonese are willing to sell Okereke after their relegation from Serie A last year.
The Tigers are looking to recoup the money they spent on the player last summer when they acquired him from Belgian Pro League team KRC Genk.
Okereke could well be on his way before the end of the transfer window.
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