By Fisayo Dairo
After scoring in his first start for Dolphins in Sunday's Port Harcourt derby against Sharks, Ghanaian star, Godbless Asamoah, was elated at hitting the ground running in "a very tough" Nigeria Premier League.
Asamoah pounced on a defensive mix-up to earn former the league champions Dolphins a late equalizer against rivals, Sharks. The workaholic striker was making only his second appearance for Dolphins after featuring as a second half substitute in their Match Day 10 draw at FC Taraba.
Although the point earned in the 1-1 draw barely improved his side's position on the Glo Premier League table as Dolphins still hover just above the drop zone, the former Medeama SC of Ghana star was still delighted for what could be a springboard to a successful career in Nigeria.
"I thank God for this goal. You know we have a good team here and I've been working hard to get a chance, now this should encourage me to play more and do well," he began in his crisp Ghanaian accent.
"Though I would have been happier if we had won this game but since we almost lost, I am still happy that I was the one that rescued the team. We have not been having good results but I hope this will help our team."
Born on June 15, the goal came on the eve of Asamoah's birth date and the striker was excited, noting that he always get such "birthday presents" around his birth date.
"Monday was my birthday so I prayed to God that he should give me my birthday present. Every time I celebrate, I always get it, even when I was playing for the local Black Stars against Ivory Coast, I scored too. I am so happy," Asamoah said
On his adventure to Nigeria, Dolphins represents his first club outside Ghana although he has been on trials with some North African teams in the past. Asamoah was quick to draw a line of comparison between Nigeria's Glo Premier League and the Ghanaian Premier Division.
"Seriously, the Nigerian league is very strong, difficult and if you don't have strength you can't play here. My brother, you must be tough to play in this league and that's why I am praying to God to give me the strength."
The Nigerian top division has witnessed exploits from a number of Ghanaians in the past including the likes of goalkeeper Edward Ansah and striker Joetex Frimpong and Nana, as Asamoah is fondly called concluded by reposing a vote of confidence in himself and believes he is good enough to make a mark with Dolphins.
"I know I am a good striker that can help the team to go far. My teammates and coach have been accommodating and motivating me and I will continue to pray to God and work hard so I can be the best here," he said to www.npfl.ng.