Simon Ebube Christian, a Nigerian-born footballer, after street football in Lagos, began his career at Atlantis FC III, Finland, where he made 16 appearances, also with 16 goals.
He got promoted to the Atlantis FC U-19 squad, where he made 12 appearances with two goals to show. Gifted with the physique of Napoli star, Victor Osimhen, the young centre forward has just signed a two-year contract with KF Luzi Vogel of Albania.
In this interview with Sporting Tribune’s Ganiyu Salman, he says he looks forward to playing for his fatherland someday. Excerpts:
How did you begin your football career?
My journey into football started when I was eight or nine years old approximately. I have always been passionate about football and the desire to do it at a professional level. Like all kids in Nigeria, we all started with street football, and then, I joined an Academy, Global Soccer Academy, Lagos. And it really gave my football career a sound foundation. I have walked my way through the process to get to this point right now.
My game is built around my pace, my strength, and my ability to use both feet and my heading ability as well. It hasn’t been all smooth sailing; I faced challenges on my path, and I almost gave up at some point but these challenges have pushed me and developed me into the person I am now in Finland.
Right now I am focusing on scoring more goals and climbing up the professional ladder. I’ve always had the desire to do better and be better.
Who are your role models in football?
My role models are Victor Osimhen and Cristiano Ronaldo. These players have so much hunger and desire to be better and that has shown in their career. Coming up from a situation of little to nothing and making something of themselves is something to aspire to indeed
What is your immediate target?
It’s to keep scoring more goals for my club and to play for the Nigerian national team at any level of course. I have just signed a two-year contract with a club in Albania, KF Luzi Vogel, and I look forward to using it as a stepping stone to launch my career internationally, and that is playing for Nigeria.
Why do you love to play for Nigeria?
That is where my heart is really. I can’t forget my roots.
How do you rate Nigerian football?
If we put into consideration the number of superstars who have hoisted the Nigerian flag at the international level. Ademola Lookman, Victor Boniface, and Terem Moffi, and many others, no doubt that it is up there. Nigerian football has come a long way and it is only getting better. I rate it highly.
If given the chance, can you convince the Flying Eagles’ technical crew to name you among the squad for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile?
Oh yes for sure. I am hungrier than ever and I am ready to sweat blood and tears to show the quality I possess. Moreover, I have always seen Osimhen as a role model, and Nigerians would be amazed by the time I get to the national team because we share the same physique.
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