Fast-rising Super Eagles winger, Samuel Chukwueze has been strongly admonished by Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to remain humble and hardworking following his impressive debut at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
The highly-rated winger was one of Nigeria’s best performers at the tournament scoring one goal and was a recipient of the man-of-the-match award as the Eagles won bronze at the competition.
Ikpeazu was quick to add that the 20-year-old must not be overwhelmed by his performance at the AFCON stating clearly that “pride is the virus that destroys talent.
“You are a young man with prodigious talent but you must know that talent can showcase you but you need to work very hard to remain at the top,” Ikpeazu told Chukwueze, when the Villarreal winger paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Umuahia on Monday.
“Talent is not enough to keep you at the very top of your game for too long. You must work extra hard. You must take your trainings seriously.
“You must be humble. You must respect your coaches and take their instructions seriously. This is professional soccer, a career that has the potential of making you a multi-millionaire.
“You must take it very seriously. You have all it takes to become the best player in the world. I have watched you play and I mean what I am saying.
“The easiest way to destroy your career is to become proud of what you think you have achieved. Once pride sets in, you are finished. I have seen players, good players who had the world at their feet but pride didn’t allow them excel.
“Players like Tarila Okorowanta and Etim Esin. Remain humble. Remember where you are coming from, your poor parents. Stay safe in Europe. Avoid drugs and drinking.”
The governor also advised him to employ good investment advisors to manage his finances.
Credit: punchng.com
