Frank Azuka, a 36-year-old individual hailing from Delta State, has a noteworthy background as a former professional footballer who has had the opportunity to represent various clubs such as COD FC, CO United, UNICEM Rovers, and FC Success.
Although he has retired from professional football, he continues to engage in training sessions with the ALL STARS team every Saturday at the Eko Boys High School field.
During an interview with Sports247, Frank Azuka candidly shared his personal journey as a former professional footballer, shedding light on the reasons behind his decision to relinquish his aspirations of playing abroad.
He stated, “I made the choice to discontinue my football career due to the prevalence of fraudulent activities within the industry. I have encountered four agents who deceitfully obtained substantial sums of money from me. On one occasion, my passport was discovered in Iyana Ipaja, whereas I had intended to travel to Spain for trial opportunities. I invested a significant amount of resources into that opportunity, only to be left abandoned by the agent. This unfortunate experience effectively terminated my football career.”
Despite his departure from professional football, Frank Azuka’s unwavering passion for the sport continues to drive him. He explained, “What truly fuels my passion is the profound love I hold for the game. I have made numerous sacrifices along the way. I firmly believe that as long as I am actively involved in playing football, I should not abandon my pursuits simply due to setbacks. Quitting has never been an option for me. Therefore, I persist in the face of disappointments, both to maintain my fitness and satisfy my unwavering devotion to the sport’s intrinsic qualities and health benefits.”
In an effort to encourage aspiring professional footballers, Frank Azuka imparted valuable advice, stating, “I would simply urge them to remain steadfast, never relinquishing their dreams, while diligently working hard. These days, numerous distractions pose a threat to young individuals striving to achieve their football aspirations, as there exists a prevalent trend of pursuing quick financial gains. To truly realize their football dreams, they must remain true to themselves, remain focused on their desired trajectory, and steadfastly pursue their goals, thus ensuring limitless opportunities for success.”
Additionally, Frank Azuka emphasized the significance of self-reliance among grassroots football players, highlighting the reality that external assistance may not always be readily available. He shared personal anecdotes from his own experiences, asserting, “Throughout my involvement in Nigerian football, I have encountered the reality that without influential connections or a supportive figure advocating on one’s behalf, an individual’s potential can easily be disregarded. What truly propelled me forward in the past was my inherent talent, which opened doors for me. It is imperative to maintain self-belief and never underestimate one’s own capabilities. Simply put, believe in yourself and your abilities.”
Frank Azuka recounted a particular incident from his past, where his lack of backing almost resulted in his dismissal from a match. Initially, the coach harbored doubts regarding Frank’s capabilities, holding a dismissive attitude towards him. However, a fortuitous turn of events allowed Frank to showcase his striking skills on the field. On his first touch, he executed a spectacular scissors kick, effectively scoring a goal. This remarkable display of skill not only saved the day but also secured his place on the team.
Presently, Frank Azuka has transitioned into the realm of business and operates within the games and consoles industry, leveraging his passion for gaming and his entrepreneurial acumen to forge a new path for himself.
