Chapter 12: The Invitation
David sat on his bed, replaying the match in his mind. His first official game had been a challenge, but he had adapted. Two goals, one assist, and a comeback victory. It was a solid debut, but he knew he could do more.
As he scrolled through his phone, a notification popped up. A message from Coach Danjuma.
> "David, report to my office first thing in the morning. We need to talk."
David's brows furrowed. Coach wasn't the type to send random messages. Was something wrong?
Malik, lying on the bed next to him, peeked at the screen. "What's that about?"
"Coach wants to see me tomorrow," David said, his voice calm but thoughtful.
Malik whistled. "Could be anything. Maybe you impressed someone?"
David didn't respond. His mind was already working through the possibilities.
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The next morning, David arrived at the coach's office at exactly 7:00 AM. He knocked twice.
"Come in."
Coach Danjuma sat behind his desk, looking at his laptop. He gestured for David to sit.
Coach leaned forward. "There was a scout at the game yesterday. From the National U15 team."
David's heartbeat quickened. The National Team?
"They liked what they saw," Coach continued. "And they want to invite you to their next training camp here in Abuja."
David's hands clenched into fists. He had dreamed of this moment—but hearing it for real felt surreal.
"The camp starts in two weeks," Coach added. "It's an opportunity, but also a challenge. This is where the best young talents in Nigeria gather. If you go, you have to prove you belong there."
David nodded slowly. "I want this."
Coach studied him for a moment. "Good. But don't get carried away. One good game doesn't mean you've made it."
"I know, Coach," David said, his voice steady.
Coach smirked. "That's what I like to hear. Now, go train. You'll need it."
David stood up, his mind buzzing.
The Nigerian U15 National Team…
A new level. A new challenge. A new chance to prove himself.
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That evening, David sat in his dorm, phone in hand. He dialed his father's number.
After a few rings, his father picked up. "David?"
David smiled. "Good evening, Dad. How's everyone?"
"We're fine, son. How was the match?"
David took a breath. "We won. And… I got invited to the National U15 camp."
Silence.
Then, his father's voice, filled with emotion: "David… I am so proud of you."
His mother's voice came from the background. "What happened?"
His father told her, and David heard her joyful shout of excitement.
"Ah! God is good!"
David chuckled. "It's just a camp, Mama. Nothing is certain yet."
His father spoke again, his voice firm. "You've worked hard for this. But remember, this is just another step. Stay focused."
"I will," David promised.
His younger sister, Temi, suddenly grabbed the phone. "David, are you going to be on TV?"
David laughed. "Maybe one day."
She giggled. "I'll tell everyone in school!"
David shook his head. His family's support meant everything to him.
As the call ended, he sat back, staring at the ceiling.
This was it. A step closer to his dream.
And he wouldn't waste it.
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The next two weeks were intense.
David pushed himself harder than ever before.
He woke up earlier. Trained longer. Studied matches of Nigeria's best midfielders—Jay-Jay Okocha, Wilfred Ndidi, Mikel Obi.
Every day, he improved. Sharper dribbling. Faster decisions. More endurance.
Malik noticed the change. "You're training like you're already in the National Team."
David wiped sweat from his forehead. "If I want to stay there, I have to be ready before I arrive."
Malik grinned. "You're crazy, man."
David just smirked.
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The night before his journey to the camp, David sat by his dorm window, looking at the stars.
He thought about Lagos. About his family. About the long road ahead.
This wasn't just about football. This was about his future.
Tomorrow, he would step onto the biggest stage of his life so far.
And he would make sure the world remembered his name.