When children choose a path for their future, they make wishes and wish their wishes come true. That may sound like a pun but it is real, especially for footballers rising through academies and grassroots football.
For Ifeanyi Ihemekwele, he had such dreams. That of playing for a big team and showcasing his talents to the world. The striker has many good memories of his time in his formative years as a footballer but this one here, as an Elephant is one he will always cherish.
When he came into the team, he knew he had a big shoe to fill. Well, he has come to make a name and stand out. From Ijebu United he joined us. We monitored him from afar and when he scored a hat-trick against Sunshine Stars in a game, our eyes opened wider.
Now as an Elephant, Ihemekwele is proving to be a household name for us. He has the heart of an Elephant and has quickly settled into the team and every one of his goals has been memorable.
With his ever warm smile, Ifeanyi Ihemekwele told Enyimbafc.net about how he felt when Enyimba approached him and the experience so far.
“I felt happy because it has been my dream playing for one of the biggest clubs in Nigeria and it came true.
“It’s a good experience. Playing here is a good one, because of playing with some big players here and they have add more to the little I have.”
Surely, he is living his dream. Ifeanyi was introduced to us and our fans when when he scored against Heartland in Owerri in our opening NPFL game of the season.
We will not forget his brilliant goal against Ikorodu United in Aba. On the continent, he has proven himself reliable. He showed endurance to score against Zamalek, showed power in his foot with that volley against Black Bulls and how clinical he can be with that header against Al Masry. It is not surprising that his goal against Black Bulls was included in CAF’s goals of the week exhibition.
Ihemekwele is home. With every game he improves and he will be expected to get more goals for us. What more can we say? We will be here for a young man living his dreams, as an Elephant.
