Trinity University Undergraduate David Ebunoluwa Thanks Dad For Encouraging Him In Football

A 400-level student of Economics at Trinity University, David Ebunoluwa has sent deeply emotional words of gratitude to his dad for supporting his dream of becoming a top footballer, Sports247 reports.

Although he is on the verge of graduating from the university, the versatile youngster, who plays as a left-winger or central midfielder, stated that he takes his passion for football as seriously as he does for his academic duties.

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Ebunoluwa disclosed these details and more during ‘Athlete Corner’ segment of Inside Naija Sports, a live streaming programme on YouTube, broadcast at 11:45am every Friday from the studio of Sports247 Naija TV.

He added that his zeal for football was boosted further on the day his dad decided to watch him play a match for his former secondary school, and he did not disappoint him that day.

Ebunoluwa, who earlier spent some days in the camp of Beyond Limit Football Academy in Ikenne, Ogun State, further revealed that his dad played football to an extent but could not take it further due to lack of support at home while growing up.

He recalled, “My dad noticed that I was interested in football, and he told me one day that he would give me an opportunity to prove to him that I could play.

“He told me that he used to be a good footballer when he was much younger, but his dad did not believe in him. So, he wanted to give me the opportunity to play and prove to him that I could do well in football.

“That’s why I was very happy on a particular day that I actually proved to him that I can play. I did it on a day that he followed me to watch me play in a match while I was in secondary school.

“He had to neglect all his business activities that day in order to watch me play. At the end of it, he was proud seeing that I played well, and I even scored a goal that made the game end in a 1-1 draw.

“The game entered into penalties, and I scored my own kick. That also made my dad really happy and he was proud to have me as his son. I was also happy that I made my dad proud of me that day.

“In fact, I played that match for him, not for my team, and was so happy that I did not disappoint him. That was a big moment that kept me going in football up to this moment.”

Ebunoluwa went on to admit that it has not been easy combining football with academics, but again cited immense support he gets at home as a huge boost towards ensuring he is not found wanting in any of the two.

“My dad also played a huge part in my education, along with my mum. I was also lucky that my mum did not have any issues with me regarding playing football, despite her insistence that I must further my education.

“She always allowed me any time I told her that I was going out to play football. I was also always very excited to watch Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Madrid, or any other big club play on TV.

“At that point, I’m always very interested in anything that has to do with football, but it did not kill my passion for academics, and I have always been able to combine them very well.”

He concluded by revealing how he got the motivation on the course to study at the university and how the choice he made has also imparted positively on his passion for football.

“In secondary school, I loved Government and Economics, which I’ve now been able to study up to university level. That’s because I always loved things that concern finance.

“I so much love things that concern the society and economy. I always checked issues affecting Nigeria’s economy and global finances, especially foreign currency fluctuations.

“That’s the major reason why I decided to study Economics at the university; especially as issues of finance also play a key role in football,” Ebunoluwa submitted.