Idris Papa: History maker with a vaulting ambition

It was therefore not a surprise that when Kaduna United qualified to play in the finals of this year’s competition, expectations were indeed high. All hands, beginning from the people and government of Kaduna State, the players and members of the technical crew, were on deck. Consequently, efforts by the Peoples Elephants to scuttle Kaduna […]

It was therefore not a surprise that when Kaduna United qualified to play in the finals of this year’s competition, expectations were indeed high. All hands, beginning from the people and government of Kaduna State, the players and members of the technical crew, were on deck. Consequently, efforts by the Peoples Elephants to scuttle Kaduna United’s ambition of winning the Cup for the first time proved abortive as the underdogs ran away with victory after over two hours of fierce struggle at the Sani Abacha Stadium.

The story of Kaduna United’s recent achievement will be incomplete without a mention of the role played by the indefatigable captain of the team, Master Idris Papa. Although he is not blessed with a stature that can intimidate, he stood solidly in the defence of Kaduna United like the rock of Gibraltar.

Papa truly proved why he has been handed the captain band at Kaduna United. Although, his side kept taking the lead, Enyimba continued to pressurize and his calmness in the face of ceaseless assaults on his defence was key to the baffling resistance that was produced by the boys from Kaduna.

Although it was not easy getting the better of Enyimba FC in the finals, the player said he and his team mates were certain of victory. He said in the 2010 Globacom Premier League, Peoples Kaduna United had beaten Enyimba at home and were able to pull a draw at the Aba Township Stadium in the return leg. These performances certainly charged the confidence of his mates when they confronted the elephants from Aba.

“We knew that it was not going to be easy but we did not panic because Enyimba is not new to us. Having played them twice with good results to show, there was nothing to panic about. Consequently, we did not allow them to intimidate us and we were not afraid of them.

“But I must say here that the goals we scored in the opening minutes of the match gave us psychological advantage over our opponents”.

Born on 27 July, 1989, the defender who hails from Zaria Local Government Authority in Kaduna State started his football career right from childhood. He began his football career with a youth football club known as Talent Football Club of Zaria. From there, he moved on to Highlanders FC of Kaduna before switching to Premier League side, Kaduna United.

Right from when he started, Idris Papa knew that he was going to make it big in the round leather game, if he remains focused. As it is common with beginners, it was not easy for him to get sufficient support but he never allowed any stumbling block to impede his movement for too long. He kept surmounting obstacles until when it became clear that nothing can stop him from achieving his life ambition.

Now, Papa as he is popularly called has made history by being the man who led his state to win the elusive Federation Cup for the first time but he is not prepared to look back. As a true commander, he wants to keep moving ahead as he has not hidden his intention to ensure that his team wins next year’s CAF Confederation Cup.

“Having won the Federation Cup, our next target is to conquer the continent of Africa. We have resolved to do well in the Confederation Cup to justify our victory over Enyimba. If we were able to beat Enyimba convincingly, there is no question of our ability to do well in the competition.

“Most of us have garnered enough experience to hold our own against the best teams on the continent. All we ask for is support from the government and other relevant stakeholders. We appreciate what the state government has been doing for us but playing on the continent is a different ball game”.

Idris Papa’s ultimate ambition like any other young footballer is to play for Nigeria at the senior level. From what he has shown so far, nobody can doubt his ability but he wants God to decide when he is to play for Nigeria.

“There is no good player who will not jump at any opportunity to play for his fatherland. Right from the day I started playing football, I knew I would one day play for Nigeria. In my candid opinion, I have not fared badly and if tomorrow God decides that I should play for this country, I will give my best. What I am always telling myself is that when the time comes, it will not be hard for me to get in there”.

The defender knows that playing professional football abroad will surely facilitate his entry into the senior national team. Thus, he is of the view that at the appropriate time, he will also join the foreign legion without making avoidable mistakes.

“Yes, I have my eyes on Europe where it is happening but first things first. I want to help Kaduna United win more laurels especially the Confederation Cup before I begin to talk of moving out. But I cannot pretend that Europe is not attractive. At the appropriate time, I will look well and then leap. I don’t want to be frustrated by any contract that will make nonsense of my blossoming career”.