Adeyinka Olaiya, Editor at Large, Sao Paulo/
Another football wonder boy in the mould of Neymar jr has emerged in Brazil. He is David Makinde.
The 8-year-old football sensation was born to a Nigerian father and Brazilian mother in Brazil.
David has been described by fans as incredible, a present to the world of soccer, extra talented soccer kid, the pacesetter, dribbler, goal-getter and a wonderful football genius.
“The talent is exceptional. This is another Neymar in the making,” Gilson, a FIFA agent told NewsmakersNG.
Watch David in action:
David, who plays for Brazil’s side – F.C Palmeiras, had recently led the juvenile team to a cup victory over Corinthians FC in a display of football wizardry.
David’s talents and his exceptional performances have attracted the attention of several European football scouts present at the finals.
NewsmakersNG learnt that the Nigerian-Brazilian juvenile playmaker is on the verge of signing for any of the European football giants including Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG and Porto.
“I will not disclose any fact about my son’s future to the press meanwhile. I have to protect him. He’s my son and he’s just 8 years, but I can assure you we’ve got offers for him from the big four in Europe,” Akeem Adeyemi Makinde said.
While attending a National television program in Brazil, Makinde, the father and manager of David’s soccer career expressed hope that his boy would also play for Nigeria in the future.
He also mentioned Kevin Makinde, the 13-year-old elder brother to David who plays in the youth team of Corinthians FC. Kevin is a midfielder with great football sense. He signed with Corinthians FC after being elected the best player of the national youth championship. He is on the verge of completing a move to FC Porto of Portugal.
“This David Makinde is a God-sent footballer to save Nigeria’s midfield in the future. I hope the parents will manage him well. He is material for FC Barcelona, I hope he represents Nigeria in the future. God bless him, God bless his parents,” says Brazil-based Victor Taiwo Awoyemi, a former Nigerian footballer who once captained the Oyo State youth team in the finals against Imo State team of Kanu Nwankwo in 1991 at the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan.
“I believe Brazil will never lose this wonder kid to Nigeria. We are already on the watch,” Jonas Adrian, Sports journalist at RTV said.
David’s father also played for the Obafemi Awolowo University football team as a midfielder during his years as a student. He now works in Brazil as a linguist, Business Consultant and Administrator. He is married to Helaine Makinde and they have two children.
More and more talented players of African descent are being found in the Brazilian football colleges. Many are doing well at youth levels in the Brazilian club sides. The country recently opened its football markets to international players, buying European, African and American players at exorbitant prices to boost their home leagues. However, Nigerian players are yet to make exceptional appearances playing for any of the local clubs in Brazil.
“Makinde is a confirmed genius. He will break that jinx. He could be the first Nigerian blood to represent Brazil,” Dennis Ortega, Brazil juvenile coach told NewsmakersNG in Sao Paulo.
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