She burnt my documents - Nigerian man shares story of how his mother killed his dream of being a pro footballer

A picture of the burnt passport. (Photo Credit: Naetochukwu/X)

She burnt my documents - Nigerian man shares story of how his mother killed his dream of being a pro footballer

Izuchukwu Akawor 03:52 - 26.04.2024

Nigerian narrates the heartbreaking story of how his mother's rage derailed his promising football career at 15.

In a powerful social media post, Nigerian man Naetochukwu recounted a tragic incident from his past that altered the course of his life. 

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that Naetochukwu said this on X, formerly Twitter in response to a post about the father of Nigerian Chess Master and founder of Chess in Slum Tunde Onakoya revealing how he initially stopped his son from playing chess which has now brought him fame and fortune.

Nigerian Reveals Shattered Dream

At the age of 15, Naetochukwu was scouted to play football for a team in Melbourne, Australia, a life-changing opportunity that could have set him on the path to success and fame.

However, Naetochukwu's dreams were shattered when his mother, in a fit of anger, destroyed all of his travel documents and sports gear.

Tunde Onakoya broke the world record in a bid to raise $1 million for kids in Africa.
Tunde Onakoya broke the world record in a bid to raise $1 million for kids in Africa.

“Two weeks to leave for Melbourne, my mom came home from church and was yelling at me, one faithful Sunday,” he wrote on Twitter. So, I hissed at her, she became furious (typical African mother).”

“Then she started yelling “is it cos you want to go abroad now that you are hissing at me?, come and go now let me see you” I have to tame you, before you become untamable.” She stormed my room and took my travel documents, my Jerseys and boots I had bought in Nigeria and my boxes.”

The incident, which Naetochukwu described as deeply traumatic, robbed him of a chance to pursue his passion and potentially achieve greatness in the world of football.

“She took kerosene and matches , went to the backyard and set everything ablaze,” he continued. “Immediately she lit the fire and threw it in her eyes cleared. I was only able to recover my International passport. Idk if she regrets it but my life could have changed for good if not for her anger.”

A screenshot of Naetochukwu's burnt passport.
A screenshot of Naetochukwu's burnt passport.

While Naetochukwu is not certain his mother regrets her actions, the young man acknowledges that the suffering that act has put him through can't be explained. 

“I’m not saying this to pile on my ma or anything but it changed the trajectory of my life, she has apologized and still apologizing and I don’t think I love her any less,” he stated.

Tunde Onakoya focused on his goal in New York.
Tunde Onakoya focused on his goal in New York.

The story serves as an important reminder of the lasting impact that parental decisions can have on a child's life and the importance of understanding and communication within families.

Naetochukwu's candid sharing of his experience has resonated with many on social media, sparking discussions about the complexities of family dynamics and the sacrifices that young people sometimes have to make due to circumstances beyond their control.

Tunde Onakoya is reaching lives with Chess in Slums
Tunde Onakoya is reaching lives with Chess in Slums || Image credit: X/ @Tunde Onakoya

As Naetochukwu continues to navigate the aftermath of this life-altering event, he remains hopeful that he can still achieve success through other avenues. 

"I just hope I win big with something else," he added, expressing gratitude for the support he has received in clearing his school fees and a determination to graduate and move forward with his life.

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