Former Nigeria youth international Orji Okwonkwo has opened up on his football career reviving after serving a two-year doping ban.
In February, the 27-year-old striker scored his first goal in over three years with a stunning volley against Juve Stabia.
This marked his long-awaited return to competitive football after serving a two-year reduced FIFA ban.
Currently on loan at Serie B side Cittadella from Bologna, the player’s goal was a significant moment in his career.
 "‘I never gave up’ - Forgotten Nigerian star opens up on reviving his football career 1")
Galatasaray will face Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe in the Ziraat Türkiye Kupası quarterfinal for the third time this season.
 "‘I never gave up’ - Forgotten Nigerian star opens up on reviving his football career 2")
Tanju Çolak believes that without Victor Osimhen’s significant contributions, the club would be struggling in fifth place in the Super Lig table.
Okwonkwo on challenging time
Okwonkwo disclosed that his unwavering self-belief was what sustained him during that challenging time.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, “It’s important to have achieved victory after two defeats in a row. During this period, I never gave up — I fought every day with patience and faith.
Orji Okwonkwo || Imago
“I was focused on work, I had no free time. I trained in the morning in the gym and in the afternoon on the field, without ever stopping.
“Football is everything — my life. In these two years, I haven’t stopped training even for a day.”
Okwonkwo’s return to the pitch has been fraught with challenges, including a four-year ban in 2022 following a positive test for the prohibited substance Clostebol. His suspension was reduced to two years, allowing him to return to the game in March 2024.
Comment and Earn N5.... comments are approved manually by admin.. Comment must be long and from the post.. short comments will not be approved