First NPFL goal excites Morice Chukwu

Mfon Patrick

The Akwa United’s combative midfielder, Morice Chukwu is excited and relieved to have scored his first goal in the Nigeria Professional Football League on Sunday in his team’s 3-0 bashing of Rivers United in Uyo.

The midfielder scored a spectacular free-kick in the 89th minute of the match to help his side to a resounding victory against the Pride of Rivers on Match-day 13.

Morice, in an exclusive interview with the club’s official website www.akwaunitedfc.com, described the moment as unforgettable, adding that the goal has given him the confidence and belief to keep working hard for more goals.

“Immediately that ball went into the back of the net, it was as if a heavy stone was lifted off my shoulders. I’m happy and relieved that I have scored my first professional goal at this level of football.

“When I stood over the ball and I saw the organisation of Rivers United’s wall and where the goalkeeper was standing, I was thinking on how to bend the ball beyond the wall. And when I curled the free kick, it went just the way I visualised it and I’m excited that I got it right.

“I played two seasons with Go-Round FC in the NPFL, but I didn’t score. When I came to Akwa United, I told myself that I must improve my game especially in terms of scoring goals and this is my second season with Akwa United, so I was worried that the goals weren’t coming, despite the fact that I take most of the set pieces.

“Having scored my first topflight career goal, I want to really thank God for the grace to score and I pray for the strength to score more. I want to dedicate this goal to our Chairman Elder Paul Bassey who openly challenged me in front of the entire team to make good use of my opportunities from set pieces, and I wish to sincerely thank the chairman for encouraging me,” he said.

The midfielder joined the Promise Keepers from Go-Round FC at the beginning of last season and played all 25 league games before the season was brought to an abrupt end due to the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic.

This term, Morice Chukwu has been involved in 12 of Akwa United’s 13 games thus far, missing out on his side’s 1-1 draw with Wikki Tourists on Match-day 5 in Uyo.