David stood outside their small home, a single bag slung over his shoulder. The morning air was cool, but his palms were sweaty. This was it—the moment he had been waiting for.
He turned back to see his mother standing at the doorway, her arms folded. Her face was unreadable, but he knew her heart was heavy. His father stood beside her, nodding at him silently.
Ife, his younger sister, ran up and hugged him. "You better come back famous."
David chuckled and ruffled her hair. "I will."
Tade's car honked from the street, signaling it was time to go. David took a deep breath, then walked toward his future.
***
The ride to Abuja was long and quiet. Tade, focused on the road, occasionally glanced at David. "You okay?"
David nodded, but his mind was racing.
Leaving Lagos felt surreal. The streets, the noise, the familiar smell of roasted corn and burning fuel—it was all behind him now.
He thought about his mother's words: "Don't forget where you come from."
Never.
Tade finally spoke again. "This academy isn't like playing on the streets, David. These are kids from all over Nigeria, some even from other African countries. Everyone there wants to be the best."
David clenched his fists. "Then I'll just have to be better."
Tade smiled. "Good answer."
***
They arrived at the academy in the afternoon. It wasn't as grand as the professional stadiums David had seen on TV, but it was impressive—multiple training pitches, dormitories, and a gym.
Young players in training kits jogged past, some passing a ball between them, others laughing and joking. But there was an underlying intensity—everyone here had the same goal.
David stepped out of the car, taking it all in. This was his new battlefield.
A tall man in a tracksuit approached them. "Tade! You brought me another one?"
Tade grinned. "Coach Danjuma, meet David Afolabi. The boy I told you about."
Danjuma looked David up and down. "Hmph. You don't look like much."
David didn't flinch. He had heard that before.
Tade chuckled. "Give him a ball. He'll speak for himself."
Danjuma smirked. "Alright, let's see what this Lagos boy can do. Training starts in an hour."
David nodded. He had barely rested from the journey, but it didn't matter.
He had come here to prove himself.
And he would.