A senior secondary two (SS2) student in Imo State, Sixtus Chinemerem Afaoku (aka Afakago) has picked hard work, discipline and constant practice as the main values that will help him succeed as a footballer.
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While naming Galatasaray of Turkey striker, Victor James Osimhen as the present-day football star who inspires him most at home and abroad, Sixtus declared emphatically that his ambition is to make it big in football.
The student of Township Comprehensive Secondary School, Amaifeke (TCSSA) added that he currently trains regularly at Rocket FC of Orlu in order to gain the right foundation that he needs for a successful football career.
He further disclosed in a chat with Sports247 that he started playing football actively as a pupil of Nomadic Nursery/Primary School, Umueze-Amaifeke, where he learnt the basics of football at an early age.
Sixtus, who can play in multiple roles at right-back, left-back and support striker, declared: “My biggest dream in football is to improve and make my family proud. I just want to grow step-by-step and go on to achieve something meaningful in the game.
“My biggest challenge, though, is trying to be consistent and improve every day; because I also have to help my mum at home, read my books and do school assignments.
“Although the training is tough, I am working hard to overcome all my limitations and various loose points. I want to overcome all my weaknesses, so that I can become better for myself and the team.
“I believe I will overcome all challenges through hard work, discipline and constant practice. I will also listen to words of guidance from elders, pay attention to my coach, stay focused and do only those things that will help me keep on improving every day.”
The soft-spoken, pious and exuberant whiz-kid also spoke about his football dreams and most pressing desires in life, which he believes putting all trust in God will help him achieve.
“My next target this year is to improve my performance and fitness. That will help me develop faster, so that I can compete at a higher level with my team.
“We are already preparing seriously in training now, and I hope to be fully ready for our upcoming matches and competitions this season.
“My biggest role model in football is Victor Osimhen. What I learn from watching him is determination, desire, assertiveness, passion and guidance.
“I also see in him the encouragement that I need to continue shaping my game in order to improve my growth. That will also help me become a better player and person,” Sixtus submitted.
 student in Imo State, Sixtus Chinemerem Afaoku (aka Afakago) has picked hard work, discipline and constant practice){kind=link}