AS Kigali have been impressive so far this season as they sit fourth on the league table with 23 points after 13 games. Among key contributors to the club’s fortunes has been Nigerian centre back Franklin Chukwuebuka Onyeabor who joined from Sunrise FC in July. Onyeabor, who has been instrumental at the back of the Citizens, caught up with Times Sport where he shares his football journey and life at AS Kigali and much more. Excerpts: Tell us about yourself I am Franklin Chukwuebuka Onyeabor, I am a 24-year-old defender who currently plays at AS Kigali. I am the first born in a family of four. How did your career start? I started playing football since I was young at Viable Stars Academy...that was my humble beginning to mold me into a better player. I later moved to play for Nigeria AIRFORCE football club in the country’s second-tier league. How was your upbringing? It was strict because I have disciplined parents, they are educated and smart. They made sure we studied well and worshipped God. My family is loving and supportive, I thank God for it. Were your parents supportive when you started playing football? It wasn’t easy to convince my father that I want to play football but, when he saw my passion and determination, he had no option but to support me. How did your move to Rwanda unfold? I was playing in my home country Nigeria and a friend of mine introduced me to someone who brought me to Sunrise FC because he believed I would fit into their system. How was your time at Sunrise FC? Sunrise is a good team with wonderful people. I enjoyed every bit of my stay there. I come from the Eastern region of Nigeria, so seeing myself at Sunrise, also in Eastern Rwanda, was like I was at home. The atmosphere is almost the same and so is the culture. It was just unfortunate that Sunrise FC couldn’t stay in the first division; I learnt a lot in the league while at the club and it has helped me to keep me going. You have been among the best defenders in the league this season since moving to AS Kigali. What would you say is the secret? I’m honored that my talent is being recognized. The only secret to success is God, hard work and discipline. You only have to believe in what you can achieve. ALSO READ: Onyeabor on target as AS Kigali pile misery on Police FC Who is your football role model? I have a couple of football legends I emulate like Alessandro Nesta, Sergio Ramos and Thiago Silva. I like their IQ in football and I enjoy watching their highlights. Who is the toughest striker you have faced so far in Rwandan league? I would say Muhazi United striker Samson Babuwa. He’s silky and strong with good football intelligence. We were teammates at Sunrise FC, once your eyes are off him, he’s gone. What are your targets this season with AS Kigali? My personal targets are helping the club keep 15 clean sheets this season. What’s your take on Rwandan football in general? Good, exciting and full of surprises. The team you don't expect surprises you and beats you. I’m enjoying the supporters, management of the league and the sponsors. They are really doing a good job. Your happiest and saddest day of your career? The saddest moment happened to me during my time at Sunrise FC. When we played against Gasogi United, I was substituted in the 30th minute because of a mistake that led to a goal. My happiest moment was the time I scored a winning goal against Police FC. It was my first goal in the league, it was the first match under our new interim coach and I was glad that I was the one who gave him the first victory.
