Ogedegbe yearns for Nigerian chance

By John EGBOKHAN
Teenage soccer player, Benjamin Ogedegbe has spoken of his dream to play for Nigeria at the youth level.

Born in the United States of America to the soccer family of the Ogedegbes, Benjamin, whose father, Nathaniel, played for the Green Eagles, said that all he wants is a chance to prove his worth to the Nigerian cause. His uncle, Best, also played great soccer for the Eagles.

[caption id="attachment_402073" align="alignright" width="223"] Benjamin Ogedegbe[/caption]

The 6ft 3 central defender, who represented the State of Virginia in soccer competitions in the U.S.A, which earned him a soccer scholarship to study in the University next session, said that he has what it takes to justify his inclusion in the Flying Eagles and Olympic Eagles teams.

“I have always dreamt of playing for Nigeria and that is still my dream. I have a lot to offer my country if I am called up to play for the country. What I am begging for is just an invitation for a trial and I am confident that the coaches would be so impressed with me. I know I can make it happen and I am just hoping that they would offer me the chance to show them what I can do”, the 16 year-old fullback told Sports Vanguard during the week in Ikoyi.

He added that his exploits high school soccer in USA earned him a university scholarship in America.

“In America, whatever you get is by by hard work. I have been offered a scholarship to study Biology and then Medicine by the Indiana State University. They gave me because I proved that I can play soccer and expect that I would represent them well in collegiate soccer competitions

“But I do not feel fulfilled playing in the USA. I want to play in Nigeria. Nigeria is my country. This is where my root is from and my desire is to play for this great country. I have a lot I can offer my country on the pitch.

I am a team player, I know how to defend aerial balls and I can mark out my opposition striker, with ease. I can also join in the attack during set pieces like free kicks and corner kicks. In fact, I am a bit of everything, who can be relied upon to deliver”, added Ogedegbe.