Chapter 12: Tomorrow Fit Shine Again

This month, I dey stay late dey train with starters.

Chinedu come meet me one day. E stand for office door, light dey back am, him deep eye look me, then e look away quick.

"Wen Ran, I go try my best."

Chinedu different from other players—e dey always call me full name.

I just shift my fringe, pat am for shoulder.

"No pressure. Na your first real match. Just enjoy am."

Chinedu nod. As I dey go, e call me again, voice cool.

"And… thank you."

"Thank me for wetin?" I look am, dey wonder.

"I know say if no be you, I for still dey youth team. Anyway… Aunty Wen, thank you for believing. I no go fall your hand."

I no talk. Just hold my file tight, half serious, half play.

"Chinedu, you feel say that golden rain fine?"

E know say na league championship I mean.

"E fine well well."

I just smile:

"I go show you."

My heart soft small. For Naija, hope no dey finish. As I step out to the training room, I feel breeze blow—new champion fit rise anywhere, so far person dey believe. Tomorrow, na another chance to shine.