Akpoborie Gives back to the society,Draws kids to God

Nigeria Ex  -international, Jonathan Akpoborie was recently a guest  at the maiden edition of a football tourney, ‘The Fathers Cup’ put together by Lagos Province 15 of the Redeemed Christian Church of God at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. . The footballer, who made 325 appearances in his career as a footballer, was invited by the Church to serve as an inspiration for the young players who also look forward to making it big someday on the international scene.

Jonathan Akpoborie

The former Julius Berger FC player did not come with a prepared speech. Clad in a pair of blue jeans and plaid shirt, he simply spoke from the heart, giving glory to God who took him from the slum called Ajegunle to becoming an international footballer. Although the soft spoken former prolific goal scorer isn’t known to be a pastor, his inspirational talk with the young players led to over 20 of them giving their lives to Jesus on that day. What was it he told the players?

In his career as a footballer, Jonathan made 325 appearances scoring, 143 goals but when it came to Nigeria, he made 13 appearances scoring a paltry four goals. This he blamed on the Nigeria factor.

However, playing in a foreign football club was a different kettle of fish entirely, this he told the players. Living in Germany and playing in a club where he was almost all the time the only black man was challenging enough.

In one instances at a 63, 000 capacity stadium, he was the only black man and as a striker that had been bought, the pressure was on him to score goals. Jonathan Akpoborie revealed that at such moment, every   footballer calls on his God, whatever it is he worships to come to his aid. Our own man says at such moments, he turns to God, the same God who took him from Ajegunle where he trekked barefooted to school to come to come to his aid.

Fasting on Wednesday became a lifestyle for me’ he says.  And on each occasion, he says, ‘God came through for me’. He told the players how on one of such occasions after praying and fasting, his club scored five goals against their opponent. Three of those goals were scored by him! It was this story that brought the young players to submit to the God who helped Jonathan.