Sokari ready to be unleashed

On November 8, 2014, the new Akwa Ibom international stadium was opened officially.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles (comprised of entirely domestically-based talent) faced Ghana’s U23s in an international friendly to officially open the picturesque stadium in Uyo.

Nigeria won the game 1-0 thanks to a stunning Emem Eduok header but the individual who took the plaudits was Enyimba FC youngster, Kingsley Sokari.

Sokari ran the show in the game and wowed the spectators with his vision, close control, outrageous confidence and spectacular range of passing.

The only thing missing from his performance on the night was a goal but he had done enough to impress Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi who duly handed him a call up for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifying games against Congo and South Africa.

The new Okocha

Keshi’s assistant, Daniel Amokachi was so impressed with Sokari’s showing against Ghana that he labeled him the “new Jay Jay Okocha”.

Amokachi should know. He played alongside Okocha for many years and was himself a decorated former Nigeria international with 44 caps to his name.

Okocha won 75 caps for Nigeria’s Super Eagles between 1993 and 2006 netting 14 goals in the process but it was his outrageously entertaining and commanding style of play that earned him a place in Nigerian football folklore.

He was an integral part of Nigeria’s finest football hour-1996-when he alongside Kanu Nwankwo, Sunday Oliseh and Victor Ikpeba and Amokachi inspired the “Dream team” to Olympic glory at the expense of Argentina and Brazil.

Since Okocha hung his boots in 2006, Nigeria has never really replaced the midfield maestro and creative genius in the heart of the Super Eagles midfield.

Amokachi is now adamant that the search for the “chosen one” is finally over.

“Coach Amokachi has been encouraging me everyday…Keshi too. They say I must be confident in myself as I have the talent,” Sokari told supersport.com.

He is however remaining grounded as he believes comparisons with Okocha may be a little premature.

“I thank the coaches for their kind words but everyone knows Okocha is a legend. I have not even played a competitive game for the Super Eagles and Okocha won everything,” he said.

Star-struck on the big stage

The 18-year-old admitted to being star-struck when he eventually joined up with the national team replete with superstars like John Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, Vincent Enyeama, Ikechukwu Uche and Efe Ambrose.

“I won’t lie; I almost didn’t believe it at first. I was pinching myself.

“I mean, these are the guys I usually watch on television in action for their European clubs so to get a chance to interact with them at such close quarters was quite extra-ordinary.

“After the first training session (on Monday), I was encouraged by (Elderson) Echiejile, (Aaron) Samuel, (Raheem) Lawal and Hope Akpan.

“The stars have all been very good to me,” he added.

The beginning

In 2012, residents of Port Harcourt in Rivers State were held spell bound by a precocious 16-year-old who dazzled with outrageous skills, accurate passing and fantastic goals at the 2012 Governor Chibuike Amaechi Cup (a grassroots football competition in Port Harcourt) .

That youngster, Sokari, did things that belied his tender years during the tournament and eventually scored four goals for Station Road FC, finishing the competition as one of the top scorers in the process.

Predictably, scouts of Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) clubs duly began the scramble for his signature but the youngster kept his feet firmly on the ground.

Many expected him to join one of the two NPFL clubs based in Port Harcourt, Sharks or Dolphins FC.

Current assistant coach of Sharks FC, Daboere Dokubo, who was one of the brains behind the organization of the 2012 Amaechi Cup, said it was clear from the onset that Sokari was always going to be snapped up by the big guns.

“I have been in football for a very long time but this boy (Sokari) was different (from the rest). He did things (with the ball) that made people look up and take notice.

“His touch and control was superb and the goals he scored were never easy. I always knew he would play at the highest level,” Dokubo said.

Sokari who is fondly referred to as “Bobby” or ‘Iniesta’ said he surprised many when he opted to join six-time Nigerian champions, Enyimba ahead of either Sharks or Dolphins.

“I never wanted to start my career in Port Harcourt. Officials of both clubs showed interest but I decided to join Enyimba.

The future

Greatness beckons for Sokari and he will hoping to get the nod for Saturday’s game against Congo in Pointe-Noire.

The midfielder is however remaining cautiously optimistic about his chances.

“I don’t know if I will play in the games against Congo and South Africa. I am among the least experienced players but we will see how it goes,” he said.

Nigerians will be hoping Amokachi’s predictions are spot on after Saturday’s game against Congo.