By Moses Kpakor
What does number 24 remind you of?
To me, Moses Akuhwa Kpakor, number 24 reminds me the years of my retirement from the beautiful game, “FOOTBALL”. (1999-2023). Especially it reminds me of the JS Tarka Stadium in Gboko – a soccer venue, once described by soccer commentators, analysts and journalists as “The Lions Den”. A soccer ground where I spent 14 years of my 17- year-soccer-career and won 99% of my career accomplishments. I will forever remember, appreciate and be proud of the people of Gboko for their tremendous love, selfless support, hospitality, protection and whatever humanity stands for. I love all Gboko people❤️❤️❤️.
You may be wondering where my very deep emotions are coming from after reading the first paragraph of this writeup. Please, don’t worry, I will explain now: I was also invited to play an exhibition game, guess where? At JS Tarka Stadium in Gboko to mark 70th Birthday Anniversary of His Excellency, Chief. Sen. Dr. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation. The SGF was represented by his wife, Chief. Hon. Dr. Regina Akume. As soon as I got out of the bus, I saw the stadium was filled to capacity level as usual with soccer fans in Gboko. That was the first thing that ignited or rather rekindled in me the old memories of my darling BCC Lions Football Club of Gboko. When the match started and I tell you, the fans went agog as Super Falcons star, Francisca Ordega disregarded gender difference and began to dribble past men at will to the admiration of the fans. Edema Fuludu, former BCC Lions player showed flashes of old self to the joy of fans. So was Tijani Babangida, Aondofa Akosu, Austin Eguavoen, Abubakar Balarabe, Baldwin Bazuaye, Roland Ewere, Ishaya Jatau, Edward Anyamikyegh, Prince Afejukwu, Garba Lawal Tajudeen Oyekanmi, Dondo Avaa and Goal stopper, Emmanuel Babayaro for Ex-Internationals. While, Timothy Anjembe, Afioma Sylvester, Tersoo Akile, Terna Gyenkwe, Goal stopper and Jighjigh Ahungwa, all former BCC Lions players, Peter Dôlough, a former Home based Super Eagles player and Aondona Tama, the former Vice-chairman of Lobi Stars among many other players formed the Gboko Selected Team.
Finally, as I stood from the pench to warn up, the tremendous ovation made me weep but blindly to everyone – first though it reminded me of my old self in BCC Lions colours and the massive responsibility of wearing the club’s Captain-Band in your arm, and lastly the pain of the club remaining defunct. Nevertheless, the Gboko people are as ever football fans and perhaps, big time football might be back in town God willing. So continue in your efforts for the game in Gboko, for the Bible says that no hard work shall be left unrewarded. So to me number 24 reminded good things and at the same time brings to me harmless unhappiness. My special greetings to other readers who were not categorized in the Gboko people. Happy New Year in advance to all of us. God bless you all❤️
