By Victor Kanayo
Nigerian U20 Flying Eagles player Onuche Ogbelu, has graduated from a combined football/circular school, Fosla Academy, located in Karshi Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, after completing his six-year secondary school education.
The graduation ceremony which was held within the school territory, saw the defending and attacking midfielder graduating along with other students from the Academy.
Reacting on his graduation, an elated Onuche who was 18 years in May, 2022 said, “I am really excited. I will want to say that I am leaving the Academy with double Honours. I was able to successfully complete my senior secondary school programme, having joined the Fosla Academy in the 2016/2017 Academic Session.
“I was also able to be among the privilege few players that represented Nigeria at the U20 level, winning a place for the AFCON U20. I count myself privileged because many never believed that a secondary school student can make an impact at that level.”
“I remain appreciative to our father, Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi, for his selfless role in building a future for very many of us. I must always thank the U20 Head Coach Dr Ladan Bosso for believing in me, and giving me the rear opportunity to serve Nigeria.
“I remember vividly my debut match against Cote D’ivoire, in the semi finals of the WAFU B U20 Championship, when he called me up just few minutes to end the match, with scoreline at 1-1, and gave me confidence, directing that I should go into the field, and stabilise the team. It was there I realised that he had a lot of confidence in me. I thank God I did not disappoint him,” he added.
On his next plan after graduation, Onuche said, “I will return fully to my team Fosla FC to help them in our quest to gain promotion to the Nigeria National League, from there I will wait for what God has in stock for me.”
The midfield sensation was part of the squad that won a sub regional Africa Cup of Nations title popularly known as WAFU Cup in May 2022.