Onuwa targets continental glory after bagging POTY Award

By Akeem Lawal

Midfield maestro, Chukwuka Onuwa believes his Sportflames/MFM FC Player of the Year award will spur him ahead of the club's continental engagement.

Sportsbiz247.blogspot.com reports that Onuwa was voted by fans of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) as their Player of the Year for 2016/2017 season after his immense contributions helped MFM return continental football to Lagos State after 13 years.

Goals from Okorom Stanley and Tchato Giscard helped the Olukoya Boys defeated Nasarawa United 2-0 in one of the Nigeria Professional Footballers League match day 37 encounter at the Soccer Temple, Agege Stadium on Sunday to claim a deserved spot in the next edition of CAF Champions League.

In a chat with sportsbiz247.blogspot.com, Onuwa, who was presented with the award before the match by owner and founder of 36 Lion Football Club of Lagos, Gafar Liameed in the presence of MFM Director, Emmanuel Adeyemi and Director of Sportflames, Olatoye Olawale, said qualifying for the CAF Champions League is a dream come true.

MFM Director, Emmanuel Adeyemi; Director of Sportflames, Olatoye Olawale; POTY Award winner, Chukwuka Onuwa and 36 Lion FC boss, Gafar Liameed during the presentation

"First of all I'll say thank God for everything and I dedicate everything to God because it's not easy. Even if we believe we will make it in the league this season. We've been on second position for quite a long time and God made it for us. 

"I didn't do anything different this season, that is football for you, everybody has their own opinion. But I believe God in everything and I thank Him for that. I dedicate this award to God, fans and the players because my teammates really contribute a lot for this success. My appreciation also goes to the media (press), you've been fantastic behind us. 

 MFM Director, Emmanuel Adeyemi with Onuwa

"I believe this is a stepping stone in my career, I'll make it very soon. Going into continent with this award is going to motivate me a lot and I thank the people that voted for me.

"Qualifying for Champions League is a dream come true, I always want to play against teams like Al Ally, Zamalek and other big teams on the continent. There is nothing that can't happen in football and I'm ready for it, my team is ready for it. 13 years ago, Lagos have not received continental football and MFM has done it. We want to represent the country very well", Onuwa told Sportsbiz247.blogspot.com.

Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu with Onuwa 

Sportsbiz247.blogspot.com reports that the petit and never-say-die player saw off competition from strike duo of NPFL top marksman, Stephen Odey and Sikiru Olatunbosun to claim the maiden edition of the POTY award.

Onuwa, according to the poll online that had close to 500 votes from the Olukoya Boys fans, pulled 56% of the votes.

Odey came in second place after he got 34% of votes followed by Olatunbosun 13.8%.