28th March, 2012
Enyimba’s new boy, Chinonso Okonkwo, is excited with his performance for former Nigerian and African champions, Enyimba.
The former African champions are going through a re-building process and Okonkwo as well as several youngsters were recruited on the eve of the new season to boost the new-look squad.
The winger, who is one of the new Enyimba stars making their debut in the Nigeria Premier League, has gradually wormed his way into the hearts of the Austin Eguavoen-led techincal crew.
It is his first year in the NPL after playing in Nigeria’s second tier football league, but Okonkwo has turned out to be an ambitious player, who has shown no sign of a rookie.
At a time Enyimba needed inspiration against Rising Stars, the winger was thrown into the fray by stand-in manager, Abdu Maikaba, who was in charge in the absence of the club supremo, Austin Eguavoen.
Okonkwo turned out to be the team’s saviour with a late goal at a time the visitors had put up a stiff resistance.
“It’s tough at Enyimba, but I’m enjoying my time. The situation is different from my former teams because Enyimba have many good players and every player must be in form to play on match days.
“My desire is to play every match, which means I must work hard to justify my place in the team.
“Rising Stars made life difficult for us, but I thank God that my goal gave us the three points,” he said to SuperSport.com.
With injuries to top stars like skipper Josiah Maduabuchi, John Nnam, Nnaemeka Anyanwu and Ayo Saka among others, Maikaba is pleased that the youngsters are rising up to the occasion.
“Okonkwo and other other new players are learning fast,” Maikaba stated.
His performance in the famous blue jersey of Enyimba has equally endeared him to the fans.
It’s obvious that the exit of Phillip Auta, who played on the right flank for Enyimba will not be felt as Okonkwo has mastered the role within a short time.
With Okonkwo’s presence on the right flank, the fans and coaches can be assured that the likes of Gbolahan Salami and Ifeanyi Ede in the attack will not be short of assists.
Okonkwo started his professional career at defunct Eko United.
After playing for the team in the second tier football class and the amateur league, he headed for First Bank, where he was scouted by Enyimba.
“Eko United noticed me during a match and invited me for trials. I was among the players that started the club.
“I moved to First Bank when the came for my services and couldn’t resisit the offer from Enyimba,” Okonkwo told SuperSport.com.
Interestingly, Okonkwo has scored two goals for Enyimba after coming in as a substitute.
He got his first goal in the famous 3-2 away win over Heartland and hit target again as Enyimba edged Rising Stars by a lone goal.