Moses Terese Orkuma – Lobi Stars’ lion hearted play maker

Background My names are Moses Terese Orkuma. I am from Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State but I grew up in Gboko town. I was born on July 19 1990. I started playing football when I was six years old. In my secondary school days at Government Secondary school Gboko, I joined Abaya Football […]

Background

My names are Moses Terese Orkuma. I am from Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State but I grew up in Gboko town. I was born on July 19 1990. I started playing football when I was six years old. In my secondary school days at Government Secondary school Gboko, I joined Abaya Football Academy. From the academy, I moved on to play under Coach Emmanuel Ngobua in the junior BCC Lions. When he was promoted to the senior team, I went back to Abaya football academy. In the 2009/2010 football session, I joined Babanawa FC, a National League division one side where I again played under coach Ngobua. At the beginning of the 2010/2011 season, I was signed by Lobi Stars FC of Makurdi.

Inspiration

I was inspired by the outstanding skills of former international Moses Kpakor when he was playing for BCC Lions of Gboko. I also tried to emulate David Tyavkase when he played for Lobi Stars and Enyimba. I will be happy to be another Moses Kpakor of Nigerian football. He was a fantastic player.

Youth coaches

I have two coaches I must mention here. I started under coach Ngobua and I am still making good use of all that I learnt under him. I was told he was a good football player in his days. Another coach who helped in developing my talent is coach Achamba of Abaya Football Academy Gboko.

Strength

My strength lies in marking. I mark very well and when I am with the ball, opponents find it hard to take it away from me. I may not appear big but I have strength within me. In addition, I make creative passes which cause problems for opposing defenders.

Self assessment

Playing for Lobi Stars is a fantastic experience. I now meet some of the best players in the domestic league. In my first season, I have played against the best clubs in the country. In view of the fact that this is my first season in the top flight, I can say that I am impressed with my performance. Out of 19 matches played by the club in the first stanza, I have played 18 and was substituted only once. From my central mid-field position, I have scored three goals. For a beginner, I think this is not bad at all.

First Premier League game

My first match in the Premier League was against Gombe United in Bauchi. I did everything to calm myself down. My coaches encouraged me to take it like any other match and that’s exactly what I did. I did well in training and expectations were really high. In the end, I played well and that gave me the confidence to continue.

Best performance

My best match so far was against Dolphins of Port-Harcourt. Although we lost 0-1, we were able to express ourselves. I know I did well because I came up against some of the best players in the domestic league but I was not overwhelmed.

Worst Performance

The match against Plateau United is my worst so far. The reason is not far- fetched. I did not play well in that match because of fatigue. Playing 18 matches none stop is not an easy task.

Most memorable goal

My best goal remains the one I scored against Bukola Babes. I received a pass in the air and brought it down. I did as if I was going to take a shot but pushed it into the box. Everybody was expecting a bullet from me but what I did was to place the ball gently beyond the reach of the defenders and the goalkeeper. It was an intelligent goal.

Toughest opponent

My toughest opponent is one Uche from JUTH FC. He is diminutive but very aggressive. It is never easy to take the ball off him. He has a lot of experience. Uche is highly creative. It was difficult playing against him but I learnt few tricks from him.

Favourite pair in Lobi

I like to pair with Esosa Igbinoba and Terna Ikpeen. These are the two colleagues who help me a lot when it comes to playing possessive football. It’s hard to get the ball off us whenever we play together. We have understood one another and it’s helping the team.

Favourite jersey

number

My favourite jersey number is 33 and it is the same number I am using in Lobi. It is not easy to recognize it. If you are putting on number 10 jersey, people expect a lot from you. Once you fail to live up to expectations, you will be in trouble.

National team

invitation

I am expecting a national call. Going by my performances so far in the Premier League, I am confident that one day, I will get another opportunity to play for my country. I was once invited to the National U-17 team under Coach Henry Nwosu. By the grace of God, I will soon get a national invitation.

Personal benefits

Playing for Lobi Stars has added value to my football career and life. When compared with Babanawa FC, there are a lot of changes in my life. Now it is better but I am hoping for the best. Although we no longer play in Makurdi, I am humbled by the number of fans who have fallen in love with me. I am becoming more popular by the day.

Superstitious beliefs

I am a practicising Christian so I don’t have any superstitious beliefs. Before a match, I take time to pray to God and before I enter the field of play, I always make sign of the cross. For me, there is no voodoo.

Ambition in Lobi Stars

I want to win a continental ticket in my first season with Lobi Stars. We are trusting God for the ticket. I know it is not going to be easy but our vice-chairman and technical adviser; Mr. Dominic Iorfa has made up to believe we can do it. We are getting enormous support from the management. Iorfa being a former international who played outside the country knows how to motivate us.

Interest from other clubs

No club has approached me but I believe some of the top clubs are eyeing me. However, my concern at the moment is to serve Lobi Stars to the best of my abilities. It has to be one step at a time. I am going to end this season with Lobi Stars.

Favourite music

I like listening to blues and R-Kelly is my favourite artist. I so much enjoy listening to his songs. They make a lot of meaning to me. I think “I believe I can fly” is simply outstanding

Dream car

My dream car is Murano.