News

David Makinde: Nigerian Wonder Boy Could Be Next Neymar in Brazil

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.

David Makinde with a football trophy surrounded by his family, Dad, top left, brother, mum, and an admirer

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.

0
Dipo

Dipo Kehinde is an accomplished Nigerian journalist, artist, and designer with over 34 years experience. More info on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dipo-kehinde-8aa98926

Recent Posts

Disputed 5.3bn Shares: Court Adjourns Barbican/FBN Holdings Suit as Ecobank’s Recusal Motion Remains Pending

Justice Ayokunle Faji has adjourned further proceedings in the suit filed by Barbican Capital Limited…

2 days ago

Los Angeles Protects Undocumented Immigrants from Trump’s Deportation Plans with Sanctuary Ordinance

Segun Atanda/ The Los Angeles City Council has approved a sweeping "sanctuary city" ordinance designed…

2 days ago

Trump Could Face Prison After Second Term, Prosecutors Say

Segun Atanda/ New York prosecutors have opposed dismissing President-elect Donald Trump’s conviction for falsifying business…

2 days ago

MC Oluomo Flouts Court Order, Assumes Office as NURTW President

Femi Ashekun/ In a bold and controversial move, Musiliu ‘MC Oluomo’ Akinsanya, has defied a…

2 days ago

Tinubu Sacks Nnamdi Azikiwe University VC, Registrar … Dissolves Council

Matilda Omonaiye/ President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dissolved the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University,…

2 days ago

CREDICORP Launches “S.C.A.L.E.” Programme to Boost Local Industries and Enhance Consumer Access

The Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) has officially launched Project S.C.A.L.E. (Securing Consumer Access for…

2 days ago