Samuel Friday James: Nigerian teenage goalkeeper set to sign for Charlton Athletic

By Wale Mustapha

English championship side, Charlton Athletic are set to offer a professional contract to Nigeria teenage goalkeeper, Samuel Friday James after a successful three months trials. 

James was able to convince Charlton officials with his tremendous agility and talents between the sticks throughout his developmental training programmes and also impressed in all the test games featured.

His performances how however convinced the technical crew and management of the club that a raw diamond has landed on the side of the London based club.

It was therefore not a surprise with the decision of Charlton Athletic to offer the young talented goalkeeper from Mavlon FC, a modest NLO club,  a contract at just 17 years old.

Sporting Lagos, a club in the elite league of Nigeria will not forget in a hurry the sublime display of James in a friendly game that ended 3-3. 

The goalkeeping treasure denied Sporting Lagos some goalscoring opportunities that would have wrapped up the game in their favour.

Some European clubs have been monitoring James after his heroic performance with Mavlon FC at the Viareggio Cup Tournament that was held in Italy in March this year. Interestingly, it is Charlton Athletic that beat the rest to the signature of the ball- playing goalkeeper.

Fortune is already smiling at James since the first week he arrived the club. He only had few training sessions with the U-19 before he was upgraded to the U-21 due to his performances.

Within a fortnight, he was given access to train with the senior team of  Charlton Athletic and he has continued to show exceptional quality, hence the decision to seal a transfer deal between the England club and Mavlon Fc by offering a pre- professional contract to the goalkeeping jewel.

Victor Ogunwusi: Nigerian born British citizen takes over as new Crockenhill Manager

... Takes Sam Sodge as assistant

A former Charlton Athletic creative midfielder and Nigerian born British citizen Victor Ogunwusi has been named the new manager of England's Kent County Football League side, Crockenhill FC. 

The 32 year old certified football coach has being in the coaching department of the team since 2016 before his latest appointment. 

Ogunwusi's first game as the new manager of Crockenhill will be against K Sports Reserves on Saturday at the NRG 24HR Gym.

Crockenhill is currently placed 16th on the Kent County Football League after 21 games and the Nigerian born player who is elated with the new role has however vowed to bring the winning days back to the Crocks.

“Have been a player at this club for over four years” have seen players come and go from my first game and have watched the club declined. 

"We have had one of the worst season in our history. Our struggled started with the club house been broken into just before the start of the season, few key players left just at the start of our campaign which let us going into games with our reserve side. Have accepted the offer to take this position simply because of my love for football and this club."

Ogunwusi who has beefed up the team with experienced players including former Super Eagles' defender Sam Sodje who will also serve as trainer believed Crockenhill will retain life in the Kent top flight division. 

"After playing over 70 games for Crockenhill and been to every single away grounds in the League, I have a good understanding of what it takes to defeat teams. I have brought in a few new players, I have brought in experience at the back with an ex professional defender Sam Sodje to coach and play with the boys. He has a good understanding of what it takes to play at the premier level so we are pleased to learn from him. 

Ogunwusi who has also played for Hampton and Richmond FC paid growing tribute to the Crockenhill chairman Steve Cullen for his leadership support and commitment to elevate the standard of the club just as he promised to make him proud. 

"Our Chairman Mr. Steve Cullen plays a vital and important role at the club, he makes sure the pitch is kept to standard, he makes sure the club house and bar are fully operational during games. Kits and refreshments for players are also taken care by him. 

"Cullen is the reason why I'm so passionate to remain at this club and help the club out. Big thank you to him for given me this opportunity. 

"We would like our fans to come down and show some support to this new crafted Ssquad and hope for a victory."