Rise of a Football God
Chapter 41: A performance for the ages [3]

The score line was 3-4 in Enyimba FC's favor.

"…!" Jos International Stadium for the second time in this game became as silent as a church, you could almost hear a pin drop, and then…

"GOALLLL…!" Sam roared at the top of his lungs, his roar mixing with the roar of his teammates to form a deafening cacophony.

He just scored the goal to give his team the lead in this nervy game again, and this time, he could celebrate because they were already winning.

Running towards the corner flag as the stadium became noisy again, Sam jumped high into the air, punching his fist excitedly to celebrate.

As soon as he landed back on the pitch, he was hounded by his teammates who hugged him from all sides, patting his head and screaming excitedly.

In the spotlight, with all the cameras on him, for the second consecutive game, Sam felt on top of the world.

As the celebrations drew to a close, having thought of something, he pulled his jersey before displaying his name and his jersey number to the camera.

His jersey number was 19. When he signed his professional contract with Enyimba FC, Mr. Moses did well to include giving his son the number 19 jersey just like young Lionel Messi in the contract terms.

Of course, taking his celebration that far drew a yellow card from the referee but Sam didn't give a damn. To him, the moment was more than worth it.

Jogging back into the pitch, the Plateau United fans could no longer boo him. By now, they already admitted defeat to this exciting teenager.

They could tell that they were bearing witness to a performance for the ages.

FWEEEE!

When the referee's whistle sounded again, the noise around the stadium rose up a crescendo again as the Plateau United fans went for one last go at trying to push their team to at least secure a draw.

In those final 2 minutes, the Plateau United players played recklessly, desperate to replace a goal but led by their captain, Austin Oladapo this time, Enyimba FC defended like a unit, shutting down all channels to goal.

When the final whistle eventually sounded, disappointed Plateau United players collapsed on the pitch as the tired Enyimba FC players jubilated.

Without a doubt, this was their most exciting game of the season already.

The tension, the tough away ground, the level of their opponents, and the incredible goal-fest thriller of 7 goals, all of it was unforgettable, making this game a highlight for the Nigerian Professional Football League.

And of course, for the 2nd consecutive game, Sam managed to scoop home the man of the match award while also claiming the match ball.

This time, for the post-match interview though, Austin was not the only one going to meet the reporters due to the special circumstances today.

Since he scored a hat trick, Sam got set to face reporters for the first time in his hatchling career as a professional football player.

Austin eased his nerves. "Take it easy man, chill out. Be calm and wise, answer only questions that you are sure of their answers".

"And don't let them drag you into the trap of tricky questions. If you're unsure, just keep quiet and leave it to me, I'll do the talking".

"Yes, boss".

Austin looked at him and chuckled. "You dey whine me?" He spoke pidgin. "Today, you're the boss".

…

"Sam, what an incredible game you played out there today!"

"You're just 17 yet you're already lighting up the stage as the best player for a storied team of the Nigerian Professional Football League like Enyimba FC, claiming back to back man of the match awards, how do you feel?"

Sam grinned at the female reporter, breathing heavily. "Honestly, I feel great. Since I was six, I had the dream to play professional football".

"Knowing that I managed to achieve my dream and make it to this stage alone is incredibly amazing, then winning the man of the match award?" He rubbed his short black hair. "That's the cherry on top for me".

"I get to do what I love and get recognized for it, who wouldn't feel great?" He chuckled.

"You're right," the female reporter smiled. "Well, you didn't just help your team win today, you were outright the best player on the pitch all evening. Besides, you scored a hattrick today".

"Do you think you're the best player of Enyimba FC? And do you think you can win the golden boot?"

Hearing that, Sam threw a sneaky glance at his captain who acted nonchalant before he answered. "Well, saying that I'm the best player of Enyimba FC is honestly a misguided opinion".

"Performing well for one game doesn't make me the best". He smiled. "As a matter of fact, we have the best player of Enyimba FC right here with us, Austin". He pointed at his captain who chuckled.

The reporter also laughed. "Fair enough". She nodded.

"As for me winning the golden boot? I haven't really set such big goals for myself yet, all I care about right now is helping my team win every game that comes".

"There are seasoned goal scorers in the league that I can only look up to and respect. If I continue scoring at this rate, then fine, I'll relish the opportunity to compete with elite goal scorers like them".

The reporter smiled. "Well, Sam, thanks for answering my questions". She finally paid attention to the captain of Enyimba FC. "Austin, any opinion about today's game and the way your team played?"

"Nah," Austin shook his head. "The only thing I have to say is that told yah," he grinned. "Remember the name, Samuel Moses".

Sam blushed. "Stop captain".

Austin was unfazed though. "I'm serious, we're literally seeing a legend in the making. I can't wait for when he finally gets to play for FC Barcelona".

The female reporter smiled again. "Well, thanks to both of you for having me, don't have a nice day, have a great day".

Austin grinned at her.

And with that, the post-match interview came to an end.

A grueling away match for Enyimba FC finally concluded with a hard-fought victory.