“I am a material for AC Milan.” Chimebuka Amabem.
2 min read
Soft spoke 20 year old Osmond Chimebuka Amabem can be described as camera shy but the shyness exhibited by the young chap who has three nationalities (British, Italian and Nigerian) is only when he faces a cameraman. When he enters the football pitch, he is an undiluted firebrand footballer. When Umuaka Times met Chimebuka last weekend in his home town Ugbele-Akah, Njaba LGA Imo State, the tall slim guy whose maternal home is Umuezeala Uba was full of smiles and accommodating too. He has a good command of Igbo language, English and Italian languages and was ready to pick up conversation almost immediately with the Umuaka Times correspondent who paid an official visit to the Amabems.
Shortly after introductions, Chimebuka disclosed to Umuaka Times that he was in Nigeria last when he was just 13 years old which was about 7 years ago. Despite the security challenges facing South Eastern Nigeria at present, Chimebuka still displays the deep love he has for his fatherland, Umuaka and Nigeria. He further expressed his optimism that all the problems facing the country today will soon come to an end. Despite the above problems, Chimebuka told Umuaka Times that he would like to be staying in Nigeria while given the opportunity.
As a footballer who is also in the university reading Business Information Technology at Birmingham City University, Umuaka Times gathered from Chimebuka that he has two dreams in football that come first among all other dreams; first, he wants to officially wear the AC Milan jersey and the Super Eagles jersey as well. “Playing for AC Milan and for Nigeria has been my childhood dream as a footballer.”
On his experience at the recently concluded World Cup tournament, Chimebuka disclosed his total disappointment that the Giant of Africa failed to qualify for the World Cup. He also expressed his sadness over the manner Morocco left the tournament. He reconfirmed his firm belief that Super Eagles will qualify for the next World Cup tournament.
On the challenges young footballers in Umuaka and Nigeria face on daily basis, Chimebuka extolled the virtues of such footballers and encouraged them to continue to strive for the best. “They should continue to train and do their best, one day, they will achieve their dreams.”
For now Chimebuka is on football sabbatical because he is facing the rigours and challenges of his final year as a student. Umuaka Times learnt that Chimebuka will soon light the football candle in him again when he is through with his studies.
