Chapter 10: New Blood, New Hope

Half month later, Seyi Akanji sign with Top Squad. E transfer the remaining five million, plus one extra million, to my account.

Rumour full everywhere: Top Squad pay big money carry both Seyi Akanji and Rukayat Yusuf. Dem never announce relationship, but for e-sports, everybody sabi.

[See as the two of dem just dey blend for practice? Mad o! Dem just enter Top Squad and don wipe their old team.]

[Both of dem dey start for autumn split—I no fit hold myself! E-sports power couple!]

[Wetin go happen to side chick team? LOL. Without Seyi Akanji, dem no go even smell playoffs.]

As WhatsApp gist dey roll, I dey watch Chinedu dey train with first team.

Just one month, e don improve well. Since Seyi Akanji commot, jungle position empty.

Coach Jide even try make old star player play jungle, but after many wahala, e no work.

So as I talk make Chinedu try for first team, coach no argue again.

"Okay."

As Chinedu perform again, I just give Coach Jide one look.

E think small. "E good. I fear to put rookie for main position before, but now I see say I dey overthink. Make we put am for autumn split starting lineup."

If person get skill and sense, synergy go come with time. Besides, after Seyi Akanji waka, the rest team dey easy to work with.

Not far, Chinedu dey talk with him teammates about food after practice. E turn look me, still dey smile.

I just smile back, give am hope.

Coach Jide see am, sadness flash for him eye.

"No wonder you dey invest for Chinedu. E deserve am."

"But Wen Ran, you no dey fear? That time, you support Seyi Akanji like this—beg me three times for am. You no dey worry say Chinedu fit turn like Seyi Akanji…"

My smile just pause. I shake head.

"I no dey fear."

That time, when famous all-rounder Jide retire, all club wan am as coach—even Dream Force. I use three months dey beg am, make e watch Seyi Akanji play two scrims.

That summer afternoon, e just sigh, agree.

Jide talk say Seyi Akanji no be the most talented, but e like our club spirit and drive. E believe say we go go far.

Jide dey always talk say, "Na passion dey carry person reach where leg no fit." Now I hope say Chinedu go get that same fire.