Akwa United defender James Ajako has revealed that the excitement of scoring his first goal in the top flight of Nigeria football will remain with him for the rest of his professional career.
Ajako scored the opening goal in Akwa United 0-3 away win over Nasarawa United on Match-day 3 of the ongoing 2022-23 Nigeria Premier Football League and dedicated his first professional goal to God, his parents Mr & Mrs Ajako and to everyone at Akwa United.
The left-back told the club website www.akwaunitedfc.com that hitting the back of the net was a special moment he will never forget.
“Scoring my first goal for Akwa United which is also my first goal in the Nigeria Premier Football League was really a special moment for me.
“I don’t know how I did it. I think it was a free-kick on the right side. Anthony Anioke wanted to play the ball and I said to myself just be ready in case the ball comes to you. Anthony floated the ball into the box, Oghenetega flicked it over the head of a defender and the ball came to me, the first thing that came to my mind was, hit it hard and I did, then the ball went in.
“It had a feeling at the beginning of the season that I will score goal(s) this campaign because I have really worked to improve my game and I believe I’m getting better everyday. On match-day 2 in Aba, I played a shot from outside the box and for a moment I thought it was a goal only for the ball to hit the cross bar and bounced off.
“So, I’m super excited that I have scored my first goal, not just for Akwa United but also my first goal as a professional footballer. I dedicate this goal to God Almighty for His grace upon my career. I want to also dedicate this goal to my parents Mr & Mrs Ajako, as well as everyone at Akwa United; especially the chairman Elder Paul Bassey and my coach Ayodeji Ayeni who have showed me so much love and encouragement”.
James Ajako who is in his third season in the NPFL, joined Akwa United from Jigawa Golden Stars in the 2021-22 season. He has since established himself as a first-team player under coach Ayodeji Ayeni and has played in all the club’s three games so far this season.
