Team T.Gold sensation, Emmanuel Chukwudi Obaji has declared the haul of five awards that he garnered on the final day of this year’s Achievers Cup as special birthday gifts sent from heaven.
Obaji was full of eulogies and excitement, as he spoke to sports247.ng minutes after emerging as the most valuable player and highest goals scorer in the annual recreational competition organised by Island All-Stars Sports Club (IASC).
The youthful businessman, who had won the MVP awards of the past two editions, was also named best player of the final and was part of the cup-winning side; all of which he said were due to support from his wife and teammates.
Obaji also did not forget to acknowledge the role of divine connections in his personal and collective achievements during the highly exciting leisure competition that was sponsored by Providus Bank.
He added in the chat with sports247.ng: “Sincerely speaking, I thank God for this moment in my life.
“It’s not by my making or my power. It’s God that made it possible, and I am so excited – especially as it’s the first of its kind.
“This has never happened before in Island All Stars.”
Obaji, who has a successful business venture that takes him regularly to China and made him miss his team’s first two matches of Achievers Cup 2024, admitted he was happy to have enacted a milestone with his feats.
He expatiated: “It’s not just about me winning these awards, but I have been able to create history with what has not happened before.
“Nobody has won most valuable player back-to-back three times, which is a hat-trick.
“I capped it by also winning the highest goals scorer and best player of the tournament. I give thanks to God.”
He then recalled various aspects and details of the role played by divine connection in his efforts, especially as his name reflects the presence of God in his life.
Obaji philosophised: “Yes, I know that I am good on the pitch of play. I am a good player, but it’s not only about how good you are or your quality alone.
“It’s just a case of when God is with you, nobody can be against you. One with God is a majority.
“My name is Emmanuel, and God has been with me in everything I do, not just football. He is with me in all ramifications.
“I have never ceased to give God all thanks, because He is marvellous.”
He continued with words of praise for his wife and children, two of whom he disclosed also have their birthdays in December, as he does.
“The wonderful thing is that my birthday is December 24th, while my second daughter is 25th, and the first is the 12th.
“All of our birthdays are this month, and it’s only my son that is in November.
“That’s why they said I should win this cup and return to celebrate with it at home. Now I have five awards to celebrate our birthdays,” Obaji enthused.
He concluded by thanking everyone who made his success possible and praised top shots of IASC for being objective in their award of prizes properly to those who deserved them.
“I really appreciate God. I thank God, and I thank my team. I dedicate my achievements to the team and my family.
“I thank my beautiful wife for being there; supporting me in and out, praying hard to make sure I achieve this success.
“Behind every successful man there is a woman. I thank God for making it possible for me to win five awards and for the support I got from my wide.
“I also thank Island All Stars for not doing any mago-mago. Most people would often say in things like this that it is not one person that is here.
“They based the awards on merit, and God has made it possible for me,” Obaji submitted.
