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Posted: Saturday,  July 19, 2008


Fulham starlet eyes Eagles shirt

Fulham of England Nigerian-born star, Mike Uweze has come out with a bold declaration that his dream is to don the green and white jersey of the Super Eagles.
Speaking live in a telephone interview on 88.9 Brila FM, Uweze confessed that it has been a while since he last visited his extended family in Nigeria, but said it is as a result of his busy schedule with The Cottagers’ youth team.
The 17-year-old striker, however, informed that his decision to wait for a call-up to the Eagles, unlike other Nigerian-born players like Shola Ameobi, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Nedum Onuoha and Ugo Ehiogu, is based on his love for his Motherland – Nigeria.
“The biggest thing I want to happen in my life is to pull on a Nigerian shirt. I know it is going to happen. That is my country, that is where I want to be,” Uweze stated.
On his current reserves’ team status at Craven Cottage, Uweze expressed hope that it is only a matter of time, with a strong belief that having a good performance with the second string side would enhance his chances of breaking into the Fulham senior team.
“I train with the senior players, as I am trying to break into the first team. Hopefully, all things being well, that would happen in the coming season.
“It’s just for me to work hard. I need to listen to my coach and work hard, while scoring goals for the team in any tournament we enter for,” the youngster admitted.
On his target for the second half of the year, Uweze stated that this season would afford him a great opportunity to make a big splash in the reserve side of Fulham, which should encourage the crew and board to offer him a professional contract.
“I plan to keep playing well and keep hoping. I believe the chance for a contract will come once I prove what I can do,” he enthused, while accepting that, as an under-aged player at the moment, he cannot sign a professional contract that would have qualified him to play in the English Premier League for Fulham.
While taking a look at his time with Fulham so far, Uweze identified Nigerian-born England under-21 defender, Elliot Omozusi as his main inspiration at Craven Cottage, and revealed that they often spend more time together on and off the pitch.
“He is a good friend of mine, we used to live together in the same area, do everything together in training and after training. We go out together and he makes me feel at home. It’s gestures like this that have made my time in England a memorable one,” Uweze concluded.
 

 

 


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