Former junior international, Stanley Okoro has revealed how series of injuries frustrated him out of first team football in Europe leading to his decision to return to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) to star for Abia Warriors.
Okoro spoke to www.npfl.ng in Umuahia after his side shared points in Nnewi with hosts, FC IfeanyiUbah in a Match Day 14 fixture and said, “I decided to return to Nigeria because I was having some injuries that impeded my career progress in Europe. So I need time to rediscover myself and believe that when I come back to Nigeria, it will be an opportunity for me to bring my game back.”
The former Heartland forward explained further that he is in the NPFL to revive his career and return to top flight European football and a place in the Super Eagles. “I believe my return will help me re-launch my international career. I got offers from some countries that are not well known to Nigerians but I decided to come home because I want the coaches to see me. So that people will know that I’m still good; I’m still alive. From there anything can happen. I hope to still play in the national team,” he enthused.
Okoro was a star of the Nigerian side during the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Abuja, 2009 and subsequently made four appearances for the Flying Eagles and a substitute appearance for the Super Eagles in a match against Madagascar at the U. J Esuene Stadium in Calabar in 2010.
Following his U-17 dazzling performance, Okoro joined Spanish side, Almeria from Heartland FC of Owerri in 2010 and three years after moved to Cherno More Vana of Bulgaria. On his experiences so far since returning to the NPFL, the new Abia Warriors forward said he is pleased with the progress recorded in the domestic league.
“Before I left, there were questions on level of fairness in officiating in the domestic league but all that seem to have changed now. From what I have observed since returning, the league is getting better and the Referees are improving such that now any team can go anywhere and win. It wasn’t like that before. This motivates players to put in their best. I am glad to be involved in this league as it is now. It is better organized,” Okoro said.
On his decision to pitch tent with the Umuahia-based Abia Warriors, the player who was nicknamed ‘Little Messi’ for his dribble runs replied, “when I came back about four teams came for me; Abia Warriors, Heartland, Akwa United and Rivers United but I chose Abia Warriors because they were very determined.
They have a very good coach. Most important thing that brought me here is the coach. They also have good players. They are organized. They showed that they really need me so that was why I came here. I like their ambition. They want to either win the league or get the continental and they are serious about it. Every player will want to be in such a club. I will see what I can do to help them achieve these goals."
Okoro who was born in Enugu in 1993 spoke also of his relationship with other players in the squad and dismissed suggestions that some players are younger and some bigger.
“In football, there is nothing like younger or bigger player. I will not say because I went to Europe, I am a bigger player than the other ones here. I relate with them as equal. We are all the same. I mix with everybody on equal basis, no airs and that way, it is easier for me to cope with them. I let them know that there is nothing like Little Messi. I am Stanley Okoro and it’s as simple as that."
Okoro cannot commit to how long he would spend at the Umuahia side saying his current contract is a loan deal and would be ready to take up offers from Europe in the coming summer transfers. “If any offer comes in June or July I will leave, otherwise, I am an Abia Warriors player,” he declared.
From a football family with an elder brother and Rangers of Enugu winger, Osas who was one of the players in the Nigerian squad for the last CHAN squad, the younger Okoro revealed that his brother was key to his return.
“My brother, Osas supported my decision to come home. I am impressed with the progress he has made in Nigerian league. When I was in Europe, I watched him in CHAN where he had some man of the match performances. I was really proud of him. He has been in the national team for some time and he is doing well. I also hope to be back to the national team like him. Hopefully one day, we will play together in the national team,” he concluded.