By Daily Sports on November 22, 2018

For those who follow football at the grassroots level in Nigeria – especially in Nigeria – where the game at level is bedeviled by hardship that young players go through as they pursue their sporting dream, it pleases the soul to see a player progress into professional football. 

To make it to the pro level, it demands something more than talent; it requires a combination of hard work and luck-luck to be at the right place and at the right time. 

One player who has met these prerequisites is Ebube Duru. 

On Tuesday (November 20) evening, the 19-year-old left full back picked up another major medal to add to his growing haul as Lobi Stars of Makurdi beat Enugu Rangers to win the Super Cup. 

Ebube’s ascent has been swift. A few years ago while he was playing in the grassroots with Shola FC of Benin City I got to know him as an astute left back with intelligent movements and an ability to deliver deadly pin-point crosses into the opponents box. 

Seeing him perform creditably day in, day out then was a delight but there were the usual questions as to whether lad would have the connections and consistency to move to the top. 

I was pleased to know at the start of the last NFL season that Ebube had joined Lobi Stars. 

I'm even more pleased to see him become champions of the abridged Nigerian Premier League and also become capped by the Super Eagles of Nigeria. 

The first international cap for Ebube came against Europa League champions Athletico Madrid of Spain during one of Nigeria’s build-up games for the World Cup.   

The Super Eagles team was made up largely of home-based and fringe players of the national team and, though they lost 2-3, they acquitted themselves creditably.

One of the better performers on the night was Ebube. He kept the Uyo crowd wowed by his brave display as he made several adventurous runs down the left flank and caused the more accomplished foes a lot of problems. Sadly he went off injured in that game, but he didn't leave the pitch without convincing me and millions of other watchers that he could make the cut at the highest level.  

I sat down for a quick chat with on the morning of of Lobi Stars Super Cup game with Rangers and our conversation went like this:

Me: How easy or hard has it been for you to make the transition from the grassroots to the NPFL?

Ebube: It wasn’t easy at all. It’s by the special grace of God that I find myself at the professional level. 

The quality of the game is more matured and organised unlike the grassroots . . . the fans, the referees . . . everything about it is just so different from the grassroots . . . But the grassroots was a useful platform for me before developing into a professional career. 

Me: How surprised were you to get a call up to the Super Eagles earlier this year?

Ebube: I was very surprised. Though to play for the national team was what I really wanted, I never expected it to come so early. Finding myself in the senior national team of Nigeria strengthens my belief in the truth that hard work pays. I give God all the glory for everything. 

Me: You played against Europa league winners Athletico Madrid. How was the experience? What was it like going into the game?

Ebube: At first before the game, I said to myself, ‘These are humans like me . . . so boy go and play don’t be afraid’. I was so full of confidence going into the pitch. 

Me: How much do you look forward to playing continental with Lobi Stars next season and is it possible that you could forsake that for a deal in Europe?  

Ebube: I’m aware that different teams are in need of my services but Lobi Stars is where I started my professional career . . . so I owe a lot to them . . . I’m only thinking of giving my best for Lobi stars at the moment. 

Me: What advice do you have for young grassroots players looking to make it to professional football?

Ebube: To all grassroots players I would say, ‘never give up and always pray to God for breakthrough’. Another thing is discipline. You have to be disciplined in many ways. How you train, how you eat, how you behave amongst people. 

Me: Thanks, Ebube. 

Ebube: My pleasure. 

•Photo shows Ebube Duru of Nigerian Professional League champions Lobi Stars 

Source Daily Sports

Posted November 22, 2018

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