Rangers International FC of Enugu forward, Christian Ighodaro Osaguano, says the League Management Company (LMC)’s Wonder Goal Awards to him will motivate him to reach and surpass Jude Aneke’s 21 goals.
Christian Ighodaro Osaguona
He was presented a cheque for N100,000 and a plaque in a ceremony that marked the first ever Wonder Goal Awards organised by the LMC.
The awards, which was instituted by the Nigerian league organisers as another Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, aims to reward players who scored spectacular goals. It is also to support local charity as a strategy to deepen the league’s engagement with its communities through the clubs.
Osaguona was not available for the Rangers Match Day 25 fixture away to Sunshine Stars as he served suspension for two yellow card offences. But he made the trip to Akure for the presentation ceremony which took place at half time.
Receiving the cheque and plaque from the Chairman of Ondo State Sports Council, Adeyeye Michael, the player, who has scored 13 goals this season, expressed appreciation to the LMC for the recognition and revealed he has made a personal commitment to score 21 goals this season.
He said: “I have been encouraged by this recognition and also must first appreciate my teammates because no striker starts and finishes a ball to score a goal. This is great and is the first time I will be so encouraged since becoming a professional player.”
The lanky former 3SC of Ibadan player disclosed that he has set himself a target of scoring 21 goals to become the highest goal-scorer holder in the league.
“I want to thank the LMC for this award because it will be a motivation for me to meet my personal season’s target of surpassing the 21 goals scored by Jude Aneke.
“By the grace of God, I will meet and surpass the target,” declared Osaguona who has been invited to the Super Eagles team for the September 5 and 10 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying games.
Half of the total purse will be donated to a local charity of his choice.
He vowed to ensure that he justifies the huge confidence reposed in him and give a good representation of his club, Enugu Rangers, while in the national team.
“It is an honour for me to represent my fatherland and I will like to grab the opportunity with both hands.
“Some players called to the national team in the past might have disappointed their fans; it is not the yardstick to assume that all would flop before being given a trial. I am assuring that it is a completely new dawn with me and I will strive to correct the negativity about some players in the local league before now,” he said.
