England-based Abonde wants U-20 call up

By Saliu Gbadamosi - 09.05.2008

AS national Under-20 team, the Flying Eagles, chief coach, Ladan Bosso starts his quest to assemble a formidable squad for the African Youth Championship, Raynes Park FC of England, Nigerian-born midfielder, Michael Adeyinka Abonde, has called on the coach and the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) to extend an invitation to him to enable him serve his fatherland.

Abonde told Tribunesports of his desire not only to prove his worth to national team selectors but also serve Nigeria diligently with a view to contributing his own quota to football development in the country.

The 19-year-old Abonde said: “I’m a very reliable, organised, determined and diligent individual who tries his best to make things happen. These are what I want to put into use in serving my fatherland.

“Nigeria is a big country with many talented players, one of whom I am. I am always ready to play a part in my country’s success story at the youth level. This is why I want the U-20 coaches and the NFA to extend an invitation to me to be part of the Flying Eagles.”

Speaking on his fledging career, Abonde said he wanted to turn a full-fledged professional footballer, adding that, “I take football very seriously and I’m convinced I can become a professional footballer of some capacity. I’m very confident, focused and dedicated when I’m playing football.”

He informed that he had played for Fulham youth team between 2000 and 2001, adding that he also had spells at both Kingsdale Secondary and Southbank FC from 2001 to 2006 before joining his present club.

“During this period, I won the School League Cup in 2004 with Kingsdale Secondary, League Cup U-16 in 2005 and the League Cup U-17 in 2006 with Southbank on both occasions,” he informed, adding, “I’m not satisfied yet with these achievements. I want something bigger and I believe whatever I won at club level, I still have to win honours with my country, Nigeria. This is why I want to play for Nigeria.”