Rise of a Football God

Immediately after the end of the English premier league game in Fulham, the footballing world was taken by storm.

That loss signified a momentum shift in the premier league title race.

What made it even more explosive was that it gave on-lookers a sense of déjà vu, they had witnessed this happen before just last season.

From the beginning of the 2023/2024 premier league season, Arsenal set a marker. Like in the previous season, they had been in shocking form, high-flying as they contended at the top of the premier league table, putting out convincing winning displays left and right.

They didn't just compete convincingly in the premier league, they also dazzled with scintillating performances in the UEFA champions league, convincing the world that the once all-conquering Arsenal was back in Europe's elite tier.

But in just 4 games, all that seemed to be spiraling down to a disastrous fall.

First was the game against Aston Villa at home during matchday 16. For Arsenal, everything had been smooth sailing till that game.

Unlike what most people predicted, playing against the imperious Arsenal at home, Aston Villa stunned the Flying Emirates, managing to snatch a narrow 1-0 win and after that game was when the momentum switched.

In their next game, in matchday 17, hosting Brighton at home, Arsenal won 2-0 but their next game was a tough encounter against Liverpool in Anfield.

In the matchday 18 encounter, Arsenal managed to ground out a 1-1 draw in one of the most intimidating stadiums in the world, Anfield.

After that game, to many, Arsenal was back, having shaken off the momentary rust of the Aston Villa game.

After that impressive display, in matchday 19, everyone expected them to carry on that form as they hosted West Ham united in their home stadium, the famous Emirates Stadium and that was when the first true shock of their season happened.

Against all odds, even as the race for the premier league title ramped up at the top of the table, facing West Ham at home, Arsenal actually managed to lose 0-2 to the visitors, shocking the footballing world.

That loss definitely rattled Arsenal nerves all across the world, leaving their fans uneasy and the aftermath of that was evident from their display again in the matchday 20 encounter against Fulham.

The only difference this time was that Sam was now a Fulham player, and watching that game live, despite the fact that he didn't play, he felt on top of the world as he watched his team win against one of the best teams in the world.

That game rocked the Arsenal title-charging momentum.

For Fulham though, it was an iconic victory.

The happy mood of the victory became the perfect atmosphere for Sam's unveiling in front of over 20,000 Fulham fans.

When the announcement was made after the game, the fans made a lot of noise, welcoming their newest Nigerian player as Sam jogged onto the pitch.

Sam was not the 2nd Nigerian professional football player to receive a contract from Fulham FC. Just this season alone, there were 2 Nigerian players in the roster before him and with his addition, he became the 3rd Nigerian.

Apart from Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, the defender known for his no-nonsense defending reputation was also a Nigerian international.

Under the atmosphere of this stadium, Sam was not overwhelmed at all. Rather, he felt at home since he could feel their joy and adoration.

Having played for Enyimba FC for a full year, he was used to the atmosphere of packed stadiums. Instead of letting it overwhelm him, he embraced it, riding the energy of the excited fans.

Taking the ball, he juggled it to roars of excitement, spicing it up with a few skill moves to the delight of the fans before saying a few words to the excited fans.

He ended it with a vow. "I'll give my best for the badge".

After that, he was finally presented with his jersey which he showed to the fans. On the jersey was written his name and his new number.

{Samuel #11}

He would be playing as the new number 11 of Fulham FC.

After the unveiling, Coach Marco Silva, the middle-aged coach who was in a good mood after his victory against one of the top teams in the English premier league allowed his new signing into the dressing room as Sam was officially introduced to his teammates.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

After the introductions, as the players met, a particular player met him. Noticing the player, Sam smiled. It was a familiar face, Alex Iwobi.

"Welcome to Europe brother," Alex Iwobi extended his hand for a handshake which Sam took with a big smile on his face.

"Thank you, sir," Sam greeted respectfully. "I've watched you play for the Nigerian Super Eagles for years; I've been a secret admirer for long, I can't believe I get to play with you now".

Hearing that, Alex Iwobi smiled. "Do you have a place you're staying in now? My home has a lot of space, you can stay with me till you get your own house".

"We're brothers you know, and we should help each other out".

"Thank you," Sam acknowledged his offer politely. "I'll speak with my dad about it, but now we're staying in a hotel".

"That's good". Alex Iwobi nodded before looking at his wristwatch. "You can join me; I'll drop you off at the airport".

"And if you're not too busy, you can drop in with your dad for dinner too".

Sam smiled. "Thank you, I'll tell him".

"Good luck man, I can't wait to see you integrated into the team".

With that, they finally walked to the park where the Nigerian international's car was parked. There, Sam reunited with his dad and together, Alex Iwobi took them on a lift, driving out of the stadium.

Outside the stadium, the Nigerian international signed a few autographs for fans, taking pictures too before finally driving out.

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About a dozen minutes later, Alex Iwobi dropped them off at the hotel where they lodged before leaving.

Later in the evening, Sam left the hotel with his father.

They went on a visit to Alex Iwobi's home.