Rise of a Football God

Walking outside the hospital, Coach Yemi Daniel waved to acknowledge the fans before standing with the female reporter and her crew.

"Thank you for having us coach". The reporter smiled. "I'm sorry about the horrifying incident today at your home stadium, how is Sam doing?"

Coach Yemi Daniel smiled. "The boy is fine; he already woke up and is currently spending time with his family".

"Oh, that's good to hear".

"Coach, there are rumors on the internet, do you think Sam sustained this injury because you overplayed him?"

"I didn't overplay him". Coach Yemi shook his head. "I play Sam in games because he is that good, there are older players on the bench but he starts games because he has the ability to".

"Even as he is injured, if you ask him, he'll tell you that he's glad he played all the games that he played this season".

"I do admit I should have managed his minutes better".

"Does that mean you agree that the injury is your fault?"

Now, Coach Yemi was slightly irritated. He stared at the reporter. "If that's what you want, a scapegoat, then yes, I was responsible for the injury".

"The same way I'm also responsible for Austin's injury and every other injury that hit the squad, are you satisfied now?"

The reporter coughed. "It's illuminating to hear your thoughts".

"What of today's game? People are not paying attention to it but we can't help but highlight your reaction to Sam's injury".

"With all due respect sir, you literally abandoned the game, your squad, and the fans, deciding to follow your player to the hospital instead".

"A certain section of people believe this is why Enyimba FC lost the game today. They believe that if you stayed in the stadium, supporting your team through the difficult period, Enyimba FC would have won".

Coach Yemi Daniel stared at the female reporter, then he replied. "If Austin was not injured, we would not have won the league title".

"Pardon?"

"Just stop with this your little games, it irks me".

"Enyimba FC already had a legendary season that is forever etched in our history. Last season, we went trophy less, then I didn't see you asking so many questions. But this season, we managed to win the double, winning the 2 biggest trophies that we're competing for".

"All this was because of Sam's contributions on the pitch".

"Like you said, the fans didn't complain about the loss today because unlike you, they acknowledge his help throughout the season and the role he played in Enyimba FC winning the double".

"Sam didn't suffer a normal injury, my player literally passed out on the pitch and you expect me to stay focused on the game?"

"I know I'm obligated by a contract to prioritize the club first, but I'm also human, my humanity urged me to prioritize my injured player in that moment".

"You may not know but I scouted Sam myself. I met him playing in the suburbs of Abraka, I brought him here to Enyimba FC myself!"

"I promised his father that I would take care of him".

"So yes, I owe him that much".

"If anybody is dissatisfied with my decision, they can take it up with me".

"My team losing today in his absence is another indication of the incredible role that he played throughout the season. I don't care if you see it, I see it".

"Sam had a legendary debut professional season, so yes, he deserves everything, including the fan support that's he's currently receiving. I think the fans would agree with us".

"YES!" The fans outside chorused loudly.

"See?"

"Miss reporter, if you don't have any questions for me, I think it's time I take my leave, I want to check up one last time on my player before leaving".

The female reporter nodded awkwardly. "Thank you for having us coach".

"Don't mention". Coach Yemi Daniel walked out on her.

Returning to the hospital room where his player was kept, Coach Yemi knocked before entering only to meet the family of 4 dining together.

On the bed, Sam was on a video call at this moment.

'That voice,' he recognized it. 'That is his best friend, right?'

Coach Yemi walked up to his player, being careful to avoid his mother's path. "Tough guy," he called, grinning. "For a moment there, you made me really scared you know".

Sam chuckled. "That bastard got me good, I can't believe I fainted".

Coach Yemi laughed. "So, how are you feeling?"

"I feel great, thanks to you, my family, and the fans". He grinned.

"I shouldn't be disturbing you with that right now, you need to rest but I feel as one of the important cogs making the wheel of Enyimba FC move, you deserve to know".

"We lost the game, on penalties".

"I know," Sam's shoulders dropped in dejection. "My father told me".

Coach Yemi laughed. "Don't feel down, it's not your fault".

Sam sighed. "I just really had such high hopes of winning a treble in my first professional season that to lose it at the last moment, it pricks a bit".

"It's normal, you'll get used to it, every football player gets used to the feeling of losing trophies in their career".

"Atletico Madrid of Spain have lost the UEFA Champions League final to their city neighbors; Real Madrid I think 2 or 3 times".

"Just think of that".

Sam grimaced. "That's awful".

Coach Yemi chuckled. "And at least, we're not Arsenal who bottled the league after such a huge lead on Manchester City at some point in the season".

Sam chuckled, feeling better. "You're right".

Coach Yemi looked at his wristwatch. "It's already late, I think I'll take my leave now. I still have a squad of players waiting for me in the stadium, I also need to give them first-hand information on your condition".

"Ok," Sam nodded. "Please help me thank the fans for their support as you leave, tell them that I'm fine".

"I would have gone myself but the doctor forbade me from leaving the bed".

"I understand". Coach Yemi nodded.

Just as the coach was about to leave, there was a beeping sound.

Beep!

(NEW! 1 Unread Message!)

Immediately after taking a look at his phone, without reading the full contents of the message yet, Mr. Moses raised his head and looked straight at Coach Yemi Daniel.

The coach shifted. "What?"

"It's a delegation from Lille".

"…"

"…"

"…..!"

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