Soo Adekwagh: A petit Falconet in top flight
Born on July 15, 1992 to Late Joel Tamber and Mrs. Dorcas Adekwagh of Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, little Soo took to football early in life because most of his friends were boys and since they naturally show more interest in the round leather game, he had no choice than to develop […]
Born on July 15, 1992 to Late Joel Tamber and Mrs. Dorcas Adekwagh of Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, little Soo took to football early in life because most of his friends were boys and since they naturally show more interest in the round leather game, he had no choice than to develop interest in the sport of their choice.
The graduate of Government Secondary School Gboko began his football career with the Invincible Angels of Gboko even as she never knew that one day she would become one of the best female footballers in the country and by extension the world. Soo showed flashes of one who would be great in the no distant future as she led her school and local club to several victories.
It did not take so long for her dazzling runs and dribbling skills which fetched her the nickname “Skillful” among her peers, to catch the attention of female football coaches in the country. It was during one of the youth football tournaments that she was spotted by national team handlers. Obviously one of the best in her age category, she was instantly invited to join in fighting for one of the shirts in the team for the 2008 FIFA U-17 Women’s Championship in New Zealand.
Apart from those who followed closely the National U-17 team’s preparations for the competition in New Zealand, nobody knew so much about the unassuming light skinned player. She went to the championship like any other player who wished to be given the opportunity to represent her fatherland.
Even when she was told by her coaches that she was going to take part in the opening match of the 2008 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in New Zealand against Korea Republic, she never knew that something spectacular was going to happen in her life. Surely, her prayer did not go beyond playing well and if possible scoring to give victory to his side. However, few seconds into the opening match of the group between Nigeria and Republic of Korea, she got more than what she had bargained for.
The petit but fleet footed Soo Adekwagh scored after just 22 seconds in the match played in the early hours of Thursday, October 30 in Wellington and instantly wrote her name in the history books. The goal scored by the hitherto unknown prodigy put her side ahead in the match and was the fastest in FIFA women’s football history, bettering the old record, held since 1991 by Sweden’s Videkull, by eight seconds.
Adekwagh picked up a lay-off almost straight from kickoff and hooked in a dipping volley that surprised Korean goalkeeper Lee Hyo Ju. Nigeria went on to win 2-1 but for the scorer of the opening goal, the 22 minutes marked the defining moment of her chosen career. She grabbed all the major headlines just as her popularity among Nigerian football fans soared like a Falcon that she has become.
The history made by the female footballer did not get into her head as she did not allow the achievement to become a distraction to her. Having proved her mettle on the global stage, she became the toast of many domestic female clubs who struggled to get her signature. With the full consent of Invincible Angels FC, the club which brought her to limelight, she moved to neighbouring Nasarawa State where she signed for Nasarawa Amazon in the Nigeria Female League. From there she was signed by Pelican Stars of Calabar which is undoubtedly one of the most successful female football clubs in the land. As if being propelled by vaulting ambition, she moved on to the leading female football club in the country, Bayelsa Queens, where she currently plies her trade.
Owing to her consistency, there was no how she would not be part of the team to the just concluded FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Germany. Even if she did not see action as much as she expected, Soo contributed her quota according to the opportunities made available to her. Certainly, she is aiming for the top.
Although modest in stature, the Gboko born female footballer has a very tall ambition as she has her eyes on professional football outside the shores of this country. In addition, she wants to be an integral member of the next Super Falcons.
“Like any other athlete, it was my dream to play for my country. Now I have achieved that dream substantially. What is left for me is to play in the Olympics and there after join the Super Falcons. But more importantly, I want to play professional football abroad. Not long ago I was in China for trials with a club but I did not like certain things about the country and even the clubs. I am not resting on my oars as I hope to achieve my dream of playing for my country at the senior level and getting a foreign club that would give me the exposure I need to be among the best in female football”.
Soo Adekwagh’s is one among the numerous prophets that have not been honoured at home. Contrary to expectations that something commensurate would be done by government to celebrate her as the reigning Woman with the fastest goal in the history of FIFA Women football, nobody seems to attach any importance to her feat. She is still an ordinary female footballer toiling day and night to eke out a living by playing in the unattractive Nigerian female football league.
Despite the failure of even her state government to duly recognize her achievement, she is still proud of herself as she said “playing football has changed my life. I cannot finish talking about the positive things football has done in my life and that of my family. In Gboko town where I normally retire to when I am on holiday, I am a household name. I thank my elder brother, Desmond and my mum, who stood by me in my trying moments as a female footballer”.