Chapter 11: The First Friendly

The sun blazed overhead as David and his teammates jogged onto the training pitch, where their first friendly match awaited. This wasn't an official competition, but for the players, it was just as important. Every match was a test. Every test was an opportunity.

David had made the squad, but he wasn't satisfied. He needed to prove he was more than just a promising talent—he needed to dominate.

Coach Danjuma gathered the team near the sideline. "Alright, listen up!" he barked. "This is our first match as a team. We're playing against City Warriors U17, a solid side. They're older, more experienced, and they won't go easy on you. But I don't care about them—I care about how you play!"

The coach turned to his clipboard. "Starting lineup: Chinedu in goal. Bashir, Abdul, and Haruna in defense. Midfield—Malik, Bello, and…"

David held his breath.

"David Afolabi."

He exhaled slowly. Starting XI. No bench. No waiting. This was his moment.

Coach finished the lineup, then clapped his hands. "Let's show them who we are!"

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As the referee blew the whistle, David immediately noticed the difference in level. The City Warriors U17 team wasn't just playing—they were controlling the game. Their passes were crisp, their movements sharp, their press intense.

David barely got a touch on the ball in the opening minutes. Every time he tried to get into space, a defender was already there.

The first warning came in the 8th minute.

Their opponents launched a quick counterattack down the left flank. One pass split the defense, and before anyone could react—BOOM! A powerful shot into the top corner.

0-1.

David gritted his teeth. The team barely had time to regroup before City Warriors attacked again. Their midfield was dominating possession, keeping David and Malik chasing shadows.

By the 20th minute, they conceded another goal. 0-2.

Coach Danjuma was furious on the sidelines. "Wake up! Where's the fight?!"

David clenched his fists. This wasn't how he wanted his debut to go.

Then, in the 27th minute, he finally got his moment.

A misplaced pass from the opponents landed at Malik's feet. He looked up and immediately spotted David making a run.

A perfect through ball.

David sprinted forward, controlling it in stride. Only the keeper to beat.

But before he could shoot—

A defender slid in from behind.

David crashed to the ground. The whistle blew. Free kick!

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David got up, shaking off the impact. The ball was placed just outside the box—perfect range.

Malik nudged him. "You got this?"

David's eyes locked onto the goal. "Yeah."

The referee blew the whistle.

David took three steps back, inhaled, and then…

Strike.

The ball curled over the wall, dipping at the last moment—unstoppable.

GOAL!

The net rippled, and for the first time that match, the crowd roared.

David didn't celebrate much. He just picked up the ball and jogged back. There was still work to do.

Second Half

The halftime whistle blew with the score at 1-2.

Coach Danjuma wasted no time. "That was embarrassing!" he shouted. "You're playing like you've already lost. Start fighting! Show some damn pride!"

The second half began with renewed energy.

David dropped deeper, demanding the ball more. If they couldn't find space, he would create it himself.

By the 60th minute, his movement started breaking down the City Warriors' midfield. One-touch passes, quick turns, constant pressure.

Then, in the 68th minute, David made another cutting pass to Malik, who smashed it home.

2-2. Game on.

City Warriors panicked. They weren't used to losing control. Their passes became sloppy.

David saw his chance in the 81st minute.

A long clearance from Bashir sent him racing down the wing. He outpaced the tired defenders and, just as the keeper rushed out—a quick feint, then a calm finish into the bottom corner.

3-2. Turnaround complete.

As the final whistle blew, David stood tall. His first game, his first win, his first brace.

But more than that—he had sent a message.

He wasn't just here to play.

He was here to dominate.

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As the team walked off, Coach Danjuma approached David.

"Not bad, Lagos boy," he said, nodding. "You've got something special. Keep working."

David simply nodded.

Malik slapped him on the back. "Star boy, you saved us today!"

David smirked. "One match at a time."

But inside, he knew—this was just the beginning.

He wasn't satisfied.

He wanted more.

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Just as David was settling into his routine, an unexpected call came in…

An invitation to something bigger than he had ever imagined.