King Osanga, the 2007 U‑17 World Cup‑winning forward who now plays for Nasarawa United, shares his humble beginnings and his experiences during the Libyan war while playing for Al Nasr Benghazi in an interview with Abiodun Adewale.
He began playing football as a child with friends, developing a passion that never waned. “I was born in Jos and grew up in Lafia. Everything started in school during Physical and Health Education classes, but the love grew as I realized I was good at it. Sometimes we would play until they had to pick us up after school hours,” he recalls.
In 2007, Osanga was part of the Golden Eaglets side that won the U‑17 World Cup in Korea. “That memory will live with me forever. It shaped the person I am today. I never imagined I would represent Nigeria, let alone become a world champion. When I think of that moment I feel like I’m reliving it; it’s the proudest moment of my life,” he says.
He was selected for the team while playing for Akwa United in the NPFL. After a match against Sunshine Stars, a coach named Sunday noticed his performance, gave him N10,000, and told him to go to Ibadan where the U‑17 camp was held. “Breaking into the team was not easy; hundreds of players were competing, but everyone had the ability to represent Nigeria,” he explains.
Osanga praises the late coach Yemi Tella, describing him as a man of integrity who trusted his players. “He gave everyone a chance, stood by his convictions, and encouraged us to persevere. It’s sad he lost his battle with cancer not long after we won.”
Regarding promises made to the squad, Osanga says the Federal Government fulfilled them. “Representing the country was a privilege; the gifts were a bonus. Even without rewards, we had achieved our dream of winning the World Cup.”
After the U‑17 triumph, the transition to the U‑20 team was rocky. “We would have loved Coach Tella to stay with us; the transition might have been smoother. Only five or seven of us made the U‑20 team, but there were other talented players. I was part of the 2009 U‑20 World Cup squad, but we were unlucky to crash out early.”
The toughest match at the 2007 U‑17 World Cup was against Colombia. “We feared losing our bonuses, but we turned the game around from the bench. Our depth and fighting spirit made the difference.”
Osanga did not score in the tournament, but he emphasizes that team success was his priority. “I never went into a game just to score; the team always came first. The tournament changed my life, earning me recognition and respect, and it propelled my career.”
He recalls his performance in the 2009 CAF Champions League final with Heartland, where he was named man of the match despite losing on away goals.
His time in Libya was traumatic. “A Nigerian newspaper even reported me dead; my father had to call the editor. Fortunately, I had an Egyptian visa and was smuggled out of Libya after paying $2,000 with an Ivorian teammate.”
Osanga was once invited to the Super Eagles for a match against South Korea in 2010, but his club did not release him, claiming the federation had not sent a letter. “It’s a regret; every player who comes through the age‑grade system wants to play for the senior team.”
Now back in his hometown club Nasarawa United, he reflects on the season’s start. “We had a rocky beginning, but we’re back in training for the second stanza. We finished the first stanza with a win and hope to continue that form when the league resumes. The quality is there; we just need the results.”
Comments are closed for this story.