Solape Lawal-Solarin

Rarity. Oddity. Unbelievable. These are words that best describe the spotting of an eagle in a strange habitat. Renowned for living afar; far flung areas, where human contact are minimal.

The Eagle remains a gem, cherished. Its presence is a spectacle that leaves awesomeness, numbness and unlimited joy for not only bird lovers but, for animal enthusiasts.

But away from national geography now, there is an Eaglet, a rare gem, carving a space for himself in the world of football.

Still unknown, but, taking the path many before him have embarked on towards greatness-A path that is often unpopular, strange and unpredictable in the quest to fulfilling or actualizing football dreams.

READ ALSO Spurs want Bale, Modric plus cash for €200m Kane

Victor Akah is showing the Nigerian dream in the Gulf.

A versatile attacking player comfortable on the wings and in a centre-forward position, the 20 year old starlet is not only a shinning light in an hitherto unpopular football destination, but, also a testament to the growing popularity of the Qatari league albeit strong influences and presence of world class stars like Barca’s Xavi Hernandes, Netherland’s Wesley Schneider, duo that have decided to see off their football twilight in the desert and not to forget, footballers still in their prime in the mould of Ex Leicester and CSKA Moscow player Ahmed Musa who currently plies his trade in the Saudi League.

More importantly, the latter’s presence in the desert is a sort of rubber-stamp on the growing image of the sport in a region only famed for its oil and also, a tacit approval or support for many Nigerian players plying their trade in the Gulf.

Musa’s presence is like a Messianic sign; a good sign for Nigerian players dreaming and hoping to represent the national teams.

As Aaron Samuel changed the narrative and perception of Chinese football in Nigeria under late Stephen Keshi, Musa’s arrival in the desert has undoubtedly done the same for Gulf football while at the same time given talent like Victor Akah hope.

The 20 year-old attacking talent from Enugu is one for the future. Boasting of pace, technique and trickery, a call-up to the national team shouldn’t be a long-distant thing.

After spells in Nigeria with OK Zeel Start FC in Nsukka Local Government, Enugu, and Nsukka United where he won the Local Government and Enugu State league, Qatar beckoned on him in 2016.

Related News

In Qatar, he laced his boots for Al Aziziyah, and was made club captain before switching to Doha united where he blossomed and also won admiration of Barca legend, Xavi.

The Catalan simply described him as “ a genius, a good player that can only get better.”

And truly, his performances for Doha United last season vindicated Xavi.

Akah won the FA Cup while also clinching individual awards for himself. He won the best player of the month for

February and was voted the overall best player of the tournament.

And so far, this season, he has picked up from where he left off.

With two games played so far, Akah has already bagged three goals and two assists for Doha United to take the club to the second position, behind Nakheel Landscape FC.

READ ALSO AFCON 2019 Qualifier: Ighalo’s hat-trick sinks Libya

Surely, the future is bright for Nigerian football. With budding talents sprouting everywhere, competition should be welcome.

Akah is not oblivious of this fact,” the competition is rife, and am ready to stake a claim”.

In football, talents will sell you coupled with your end product. Italy, still reeling from World Cup miss, realised this, and re-called Sebastian Giovinco from exile.

The former Juve man was overlooked for plying his football in the less competitive MLS but, Mancini, the new Italy manager knew what the ‘atomic ant’ could offer hence, brought him back after taking notes of his feats for Toronto FC.

Bet, Nigeria’s national team handlers should be willing to extend an invitation to the Doha hit-man that is gradually emerging from the Arabian desert.