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I-League side Sporting Clube de Goa has completed the signing of the 18-year old Nigerian striker Ndidi Chukwuma at the SCG office in Campal on Saturday. Ndidi which translates as Endurance in English is the son of SCG official Clifford Chukwuma and the younger brother of Chukwudi who is currently playing his club football in Europe for FK Teplice in the Czech Republic.
Ndidi has studied and played for the Don Bosco School in Panjim and is fully acquainted to life in Goa after moving here with his family seven years ago.
“It is great to have you back,” remarked the Don Bosco School Principal Rev Fr. Avin Carvalho. “Ndidi was a hard working footballer for our School and I am sure he will be successful with Sporting Clube de Goa,” stated Fr. Avin.
By studying at Don Bosco and growing up in a football household has given the well-mannered Ndidi the game intelligence to prosper. As Ndidi is a foreigner he was not allowed to play in the Goa Football Association age group tournaments, but this has not stifled his progress.
I used to play in some practice matches to get experience: Ndidi
“When my father was coaching Sesa Football Academy, I used to play in some practice matches to get experience,” revealed Ndidi.
Ndidi is a Manchester United supporter and his favourite player is Cristiano Ronaldo. Ndidi was excited in 2012 to travel to Bangalore for training under the Coaches from Old Trafford after impressing in a talent hunt competition.
He has also won the SAG U-16 tournament with his School, after being put through his paces by Don Bosco PE teacher Francis Raposa.
“In Indian football we usually recruit foreign players based on a short trial or a recommendation, but we have seen Ndidi grow up and recognise his potential,” reasoned Sporting Goa's manager Angelo Albuquerque.
Ndidi is the third footballer from Don Bosco in recent weeks to sign for the Flaming Oranje. Akeraj Martins and Isaac Negredo are the other two.
“The signing of Ndidi is in keeping with the policy of Clube President Peter Vaz to groom young talent and give them the opportunities to showcase their skills,” stated SCG CEO Victor Fernandes.
