Not many are aware that about a certain 23 year old Nigerian who has so far made 14 appearances in the Dutch top division for Telstar, where he is on loan from Utrecht.
His name is Neville Ogidi Nwankwo who was playing amateur football in the Netherlands around this time last year, but has not shown any sign of struggling to fit in at the top level.
Tall, quick and also very neat and tidy in his tackles, he is also blessed with the ability to pick a pass from deep and also help his team to build from the back.
He is teammates with his elder brother Nigel Ogidi Nwankwo, but it’s his performances that has caught the eyes with his brother who is 27 making just four appearances this season.
Last weekend he made the official team of the week of the Dutch top division. A testament to how well he has acquitted himself to the demands of playing in the highest tier in the Netherlands.
His international future would have been a source of concern to Nigeria, because he was born in the Netherlands but sources say he has his heart and mind set on playing for Nigeria.
For now he is enjoying and thriving in a professional setup with a modest side, and will return to Utrecht next season where he is expected to be ready to play after gaining sufficient experience this season.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
