Nura Mohammed: From Boko Haram to Super Eagles

[Sunset]

Nura Mohammed: From Boko Haram to Super Eagles
By The NFF
http://www.thenff.com/2017/12/nura-moha ... er-eagles/

Updated: December 21, 2017


*Teenager with silky skills waiting to blossom

When fate plays a dirty trick on you, it is the quality of response you bring to beat it that makes the hero out of you. That is the story of boko haram survivor, Nura Mohammed, he was a victim of the insurgency. That won’t stop him. He goes from one street of Maiduguri, the Borno state capital, plying his silky skills, football.



Nura Mohammed…from boko haram to Eagles

He grew up as an orphan in the city having lost both parents before he was six years old. Football was the only succour for him. He enjoyed playing the game with some of his childhood friends. Sadly, tragedy struck when some of his friends were killed by the Boko Haram insurgents, some went missing till date, but by fate and providence, Nura escaped and he was not recruited into the Boko Haram terrorist group as some of his mates, who were forcefully recruited into the deadly group.

“I cannot count how many of my friends that were killed by Boko Haram. Just mentioning the name of the sect could earn someone death. I remember one of my friends who never liked people to mention the name Boko Haram around him. Unfortunately, he was killed. I think Musa was his name,” Nura Mohammed told Totori yo sef in Abuja.



Football gave Nura joy, the field was where he could forget the brutal killings of some of his childhood friends by Boko Haram insurgents. His football skills were the weapons in his possession to put smiles on the faces of football loving fans in Maiduguri and the region. Some football fans in Maiduguri sometimes called him Messi, others prefer to call him Ozil, and Nura said that he has no qualms being called such names, but he does not have any specific role model in football.

“I don’t have any footballer that I will say he is my role model. I am a left footed player that can operate from the outside left or the left sided midfield.

“As a left footed player, I normally watch players like Lionel Messi, Mesuit Ozil and James Rodriguez whenever their teams are playing. I concentrate on how they make good use of the ball to help their teams win matches,” he added.

Nura the El-Kanemi Warrior: Not too long came the officials of El-Kanemi Warriors Football Club of Maiduguri. The club signed the young Nura into their fold as a player of the El-Kanemi Feeders team. He continued to blossom in the round leather game. It was a delight to see him doing well for the club in the Nationwide League One season. That is the league where all the feeder teams of clubs in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) participated across the federation.



Nura Mohammed…set his eyes on high places
The football ingenuity of Nura continued to flourish as he was part of the League Management Company (LMC) La Liga Under-15 tournament held in Lagos last year where his team (North East) crashed out in the semi final of the tournament.

He went back to Maiduguri where football is played in the midst of bomb explosions in some parts of the city, all these ugly incidences never deterred Nura from following his dream.

“I really have passion and interest for football and I never relented even when I know that it could be very dangerous because of the security situation in Borno state. Even when I heard of bomb blasts, I was still playing football competitions in some local government areas in the state,” Nura said.

Imama ‘The Magician’ Amakapabo: There came Imama Amakapabo, who was signed by the management of El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri as their new Technical Adviser for the upcoming new season. Imama, in his attempts to access the talents at the disposal of El-kanemi Warriors organised a training match between the El-Kanemi senior and El-Kanemi Feeders. The game was all the teenage Nura needed to convince Imama and his technical crew that a pure diamond can be found at a place where dynamites and bombs have prevailed.

Imama wasted no time in promoting Nura to the main team of El-Kanemi where he started training and learning the rudiments of the tasks ahead of him in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season that will begin on 14th January, 2018.

“I watched him play for the Feeders team against the main team. He showed the potentials I always wanted in a player and as a young player in his teen age, I was amazed with his talent, vision and his total output on the field. He was excellent. So, I promoted him to the senior team,” Imama Amamakapo told Totori yo sef.

Pre-season output: The pre– season was intensive for El-Kanemi Warriors. The team found themselves in Kano for the Ahlan pre-season tournament that comprised of 12 teams mainly from the Nigeria top flight league. Nura featured for El-Kanemi Warriors playing the left side of the midfield as they trampled on teams leading to the semi-finals.

Unfortunately, the dream of El-Kanemi Warriors winning the tournament crashed at the semi –final where they lost to Akwa United of Uyo.

Something unusual and very unique was about to be unfolded in the career of the teenage sensation in El-Kanemi Warriors. Having given a good account of himself in all the games played at Ahlan pre-season tournament, Nura had caught the attention of Salisu Yusuf, the chief coach of the Super Eagles and he was invited to the Super Eagles team for the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Super 6 tournament in Kano, where the technical crew of the Super Eagles used the tournament as a preparatory ground for CHAN tournament in Morocco.

A Super Eagle: “I saw Nura Mohammed during Ahlan pre-season tournament where he played for El-Kanemi Warriors. He displayed good football in the outside left position and I then invited him to the Super Eagles for the Super 6 tournament,” Salisu Yusuf, the chief coach of the Super Eagles said.

Despite the arrays of talent and experienced players in the camp of the Super Eagles, Nura asserted himself and he was able to play his part when the national team defeated MFM FC 3-2 to win the tournament. Nura came as a second half substitute in the final game to give two assists. His composure was far way beyond his age, his precision passes were mark of excellence and his dribbling runs were all trade mark of a player that has great potentials for the future.

“He did not disappoint at the Super 6 tournament. We were impressed with his performance and the door is open for him to be in the team to CHAN tournament in Morocco, if he continues to do well in training,” Yusuf added.

LMC policy on Eagles teenagers: Being a teenage sensation at 15 years, there are clamours for him to be drafted into any of the age grade national teams of Nigeria, which was not supported by Shehu Dikko, chairman of League Management Company (LMC), as he insisted that once a player is good enough for the Super Eagles, then no need to invite the same player to the age grade teams again.

“The player is good for the Super Eagles and so he should remain with the team. Nura Mohammed was one of the players that featured at the LMC La Liga tournament last year and if today, the player finds himself in the Super Eagles, this is very good for our football and for what LMC is doing to develop the game,” Dikko said.

He added: “Young players in England like Rashford, Raheem Sterling and the rest that found themselves playing for England as teenagers were never drafted to play for the junior teams of England again. So, this should be the case concerning Nura Mohammed and other Nigerian young players that feature for the Super Eagles”.

The teenage prodigy made history as the youngest player to wear the jersey of the Super Eagles when he featured for the team in the final game of the Super 6 tournament last Sunday, few days after he clocked 15 years old on 2nd December, 2017.

“I dreamt of playing for the Super Eagles one day, but I never imagined that it will happen very suddenly. I am in the Super Eagles to learn and I improve my game and I will work very hard not to disappoint the technical crew of the team,” he concluded.

[EMIR KONGI JAFFI JOFFA]

Great story. Agents got creative.

[Enugu II]

This guy moved on a fast track oo! That is really good. Loved the story as well. These are the kinds of stories that the LMC should get out there to help get fans watching NPFL on television or live. Last year, El Kanemi also debuted one of their youths -- Baita -- who was outstanding during the season.

[furiously frank]

Emir, if you have any report to the contrary please provide it or shut up. It's high time we stop casting aspersions on our people story.

[gurrano]

abeg who get any video of this bobo? I have checked youtube and could not find anything

[Enugu II]

abeg who get any video of this bobo? I have checked youtube and could not find anything

You are likely to watch him in live games next month at the CHAN if he makes the squad.

[mystic]

abeg who get any video of this bobo? I have checked youtube and could not find anything

You are likely to watch him in live games next month at the CHAN if he makes the squad.

Correct. Looking forward to seeing what he can do in Morocco if he makes the squad.

[1naija]

Emir, if you have any report to the contrary please provide it or shut up. It's high time we stop casting aspersions on our people story.

Haba uncle but Emir is right nah. Na Agent dey use another angle market the guy. The guy is from Borno state , which is one of the states Boko Haram operates in, but nothing in the article suggests he had any real brushes with Boko Haram. That's like Okocha10 claiming he escaped the Niger Delta Avengers to become uber opetator he is now.

[gurrano]

what would be a really good cinderella story is if this guy somehow makes the CHAN team, has a good tournament and against all imaginable odds breaks into the final list of 23 players going to the world cup. Now that would be something else..

[Sunset]

15 years old and already in the big leagues
http://www.cafonline.com/en-us/competit ... YUUQ%3d%3d
15 years old and already in the big leagues 24 JANUARY 2018 06:28



“He is a very intelligent player, talented and has potential, which is why I made the decision to pick him for the CHAN. It will allow him to gain experience. For me, this player is the future of Nigeria. He will be a star in a few years. Being 15 years did not stop me from selecting him backed by his talent and technique. He is above the lot. He’s a player who can do a lot with the ball,” Nigeria coach Salisu Yusuf said.

Nigeria number 20, Mohammed Nur is the youngest player at the tournament. Born on 2 December 2002, the 15-year-old came on as a substitute in the Group C clash against Rwanda, and played for seven minutes. He is not at the CHAN just to make the list. Despite his young age, he is already writing in capital letters the first lines of a promising career.

“I started out on the street, like all players in Nigeria, before being spotted by coaches. Then I joined the club, El Kanemi Warriors. I started my career just a year ago. I was with the U-17 before the national coach Salisu Yusuf invited me to the squad for the CHAN.

“Honestly, I did not expect that. I started my career a year ago and I am already playing a major tournament like CHAN. It’s a real fairy tale. In addition, I made an appearance against Rwanda in the first match. While playing in my neighbourhood, I didn’t expect that one day, I would become an international and don the colours of Nigeria. As a muslim, I can only thank almighty God,” Nur recalled.

Very ambitious, the teenager obviously has a dream like every kid and aspires to hit the world stage like his idols.

“On a global level, I really like Mesut Ozil, but in Nigeria, I have my idol, which is John Obi Mikel. I wish to have a career like him because he is a great player. I mentioned Obi Mikel because I do not remember the magic moments of Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha. I also like our number 10, Rabiu Ali, who is nicknamed Pelé. He is a great player,” added Nur.

In the case of the latter, admiration seems reciprocal. Ali, who is the playmaker of the Nigerian team has taken the youngster under his wings and says nothing but good.

“What I like about him (Nur) is that he listens to advice. He is ambitious and listens to everything. Technically and physically, he’s an extraordinary player. For this tournament, he is learning but for the next tournaments, expect to discover a great player,” Ali observed.

Obviously Nur has dreams for the future, a better tomorrow, but does not fail to appreciate the opportunity offered by his current club, El Kanemi Warriors.

“It's alright. I'm living right now in Nigeria with the money my club gives me, not in great conditions but it can get better. Like all ambitious players, I hope to sign a professional contract abroad. It will allow me to make a good living, also progress in the sport.”

In the meantime, Nur has time to learn at a competition which has paved the way for many players to stardom.

[Cellular]

Nice!

[ogasir]

15 years old and already in the big leagues
http://www.cafonline.com/en-us/competit ... YUUQ%3d%3d
15 years old and already in the big leagues 24 JANUARY 2018 06:28



“He is a very intelligent player, talented and has potential, which is why I made the decision to pick him for the CHAN. It will allow him to gain experience. For me, this player is the future of Nigeria. He will be a star in a few years. Being 15 years did not stop me from selecting him backed by his talent and technique. He is above the lot. He’s a player who can do a lot with the ball,” Nigeria coach Salisu Yusuf said.

Nigeria number 20, Mohammed Nur is the youngest player at the tournament. Born on 2 December 2002, the 15-year-old came on as a substitute in the Group C clash against Rwanda, and played for seven minutes. He is not at the CHAN just to make the list. Despite his young age, he is already writing in capital letters the first lines of a promising career.

“I started out on the street, like all players in Nigeria, before being spotted by coaches. Then I joined the club, El Kanemi Warriors. I started my career just a year ago. I was with the U-17 before the national coach Salisu Yusuf invited me to the squad for the CHAN.

“Honestly, I did not expect that. I started my career a year ago and I am already playing a major tournament like CHAN. It’s a real fairy tale. In addition, I made an appearance against Rwanda in the first match. While playing in my neighbourhood, I didn’t expect that one day, I would become an international and don the colours of Nigeria. As a muslim, I can only thank almighty God,” Nur recalled.

Very ambitious, the teenager obviously has a dream like every kid and aspires to hit the world stage like his idols.

“On a global level, I really like Mesut Ozil, but in Nigeria, I have my idol, which is John Obi Mikel. I wish to have a career like him because he is a great player. I mentioned Obi Mikel because I do not remember the magic moments of Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha. I also like our number 10, Rabiu Ali, who is nicknamed Pelé. He is a great player,” added Nur.

In the case of the latter, admiration seems reciprocal. Ali, who is the playmaker of the Nigerian team has taken the youngster under his wings and says nothing but good.

“What I like about him (Nur) is that he listens to advice. He is ambitious and listens to everything. Technically and physically, he’s an extraordinary player. For this tournament, he is learning but for the next tournaments, expect to discover a great player,” Ali observed.

Obviously Nur has dreams for the future, a better tomorrow, but does not fail to appreciate the opportunity offered by his current club, El Kanemi Warriors.

“It's alright. I'm living right now in Nigeria with the money my club gives me, not in great conditions but it can get better. Like all ambitious players, I hope to sign a professional contract abroad. It will allow me to make a good living, also progress in the sport.”

In the meantime, Nur has time to learn at a competition which has paved the way for many players to stardom.

I believe he is young, definitely under 18 because he said he does not remember Okocha playing for the SE.

[miky]

They should make a story out of him! this would be good motivation for those kids in borno who have no option in life, there is a way outside of boko.

[Oguleftie]

So where are the players from the two teams that made it to the finals of the Under-15 tournament held in Lagos last year, where Nura's team (North East) crashed out in the semi final of the tournament?

[Oguleftie]

So where are the players from the two teams that made it to the finals of the Under-15 tournament held in Lagos last year, where Nura's team (North East) crashed out in the semi final of the tournament?

[Enugu II]

So where are the players from the two teams that made it to the finals of the Under-15 tournament held in Lagos last year, where Nura's team (North East) crashed out in the semi final of the tournament?

I believe some of them have earned squad places on the NPFL teams.

[Oguleftie]

Why no one player or two players from the two teams that played in the U-15 final not in the current CHAN team?

[Oguleftie]

So where are the players from the two teams that made it to the finals of the Under-15 tournament held in Lagos last year, where Nura's team (North East) crashed out in the semi final of the tournament?

I believe some of them have earned squad places on the NPFL teams.

Why no one player or two players from the two teams that played in the U-15 final not in the current CHAN team?

[Damunk]

Why no one player or two players from the two teams that played in the U-15 final not in the current CHAN team?

Ah-ahn? U too ax kweshon!
Is it by force?

[Enugu II]

So where are the players from the two teams that made it to the finals of the Under-15 tournament held in Lagos last year, where Nura's team (North East) crashed out in the semi final of the tournament?

I believe some of them have earned squad places on the NPFL teams.

Why no one player or two players from the two teams that played in the U-15 final not in the current CHAN team?

They first have to impress at the senior level just like Nura has done in the preseason with his NPFL club. In any case, Ikouwen Udotin was also in that youth tournament and his performance there earned him a place in Enyimba squad where he successfully challenged Chima Akas. He is also in the CHAN squad but Itodo is playing ahead of him. Furthermore, some players from that tourney have made NPFL club squads. But focusing specifically on the two teams that made the championship game is not a prerequisite for making the CHAN or NPFL teams. Each individual player (whether in the final or not) must impress at the senior level. Take Koma Millions who was top scorer representing South East that won one of the age groups, he has not made Rangers squad or any other squad of the South East NPFL teams as far as I am aware.

[Oguleftie]

So where are the players from the two teams that made it to the finals of the Under-15 tournament held in Lagos last year, where Nura's team (North East) crashed out in the semi final of the tournament?

I believe some of them have earned squad places on the NPFL teams.

Why no one player or two players from the two teams that played in the U-15 final not in the current CHAN team?

They first have to impress at the senior level just like Nura has done in the preseason with his NPFL club. In any case, Ikouwen Udotin was also in that youth tournament and his performance there earned him a place in Enyimba squad where he successfully challenged Chima Akas. He is also in the CHAN squad but Itodo is playing ahead of him. Furthermore, some players from that tourney have made NPFL club squads. But focusing specifically on the two teams that made the championship game is not a prerequisite for making the CHAN or NPFL teams. Each individual player (whether in the final or not) must impress at the senior level. Take Koma Millions who was top scorer representing South East that won one of the age groups, he has not made Rangers squad or any other squad of the South East NPFL teams as far as I am aware.

A U15 player that wants to see playing time cannot get it at Plateau United, Enyimba, Akwa United, or Rangers.
These teams have better senior/older players.
Implies going to lesser NPFL teams a U15 player a chance to see action, & thus get noticed and possible capp-up. A way not to fall through the cracks!

[Enugu II]

So where are the players from the two teams that made it to the finals of the Under-15 tournament held in Lagos last year, where Nura's team (North East) crashed out in the semi final of the tournament?

I believe some of them have earned squad places on the NPFL teams.

Why no one player or two players from the two teams that played in the U-15 final not in the current CHAN team?

They first have to impress at the senior level just like Nura has done in the preseason with his NPFL club. In any case, Ikouwen Udotin was also in that youth tournament and his performance there earned him a place in Enyimba squad where he successfully challenged Chima Akas. He is also in the CHAN squad but Itodo is playing ahead of him. Furthermore, some players from that tourney have made NPFL club squads. But focusing specifically on the two teams that made the championship game is not a prerequisite for making the CHAN or NPFL teams. Each individual player (whether in the final or not) must impress at the senior level. Take Koma Millions who was top scorer representing South East that won one of the age groups, he has not made Rangers squad or any other squad of the South East NPFL teams as far as I am aware.

A U15 player that wants to see playing time cannot get it at Plateau United, Enyimba, Akwa United, or Rangers.
These teams have better senior/older players.
Implies going to lesser NPFL teams a U15 player a chance to see action, & thus get noticed and possible capp-up. A way not to fall through the cracks!

True word in most cases but some have overturned the apple cart. As mentioned above, Ikouwen did it at Enyimba and is at the CHAN. BTW, let me be clear that the youth tourneys here were at two age levels -- U15 and U17.