Flying Eagles star Nnamdi Ofoborh has even more reason to celebrate after receiving a heartfelt message from his idol and Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba who vowed to look after the Anglo-Nigerian.
Twenty-year old Ofoborh, on loan from AFC Bournemouth, helped League One side seal a historic promotion to the Championship when they beat Oxford United 2-1 in the playoffs final at Wembley on Monday.
Basking in the warm glow of their historic feat, Ofoborh’s teammate and fellow Anglo-Nigerian Adebayo Akinfenwa, a Liverpool fan, gave an emotional post-match interview where he jokingly called on the recently crowned Premier League champions’ boss Jurgen Klopp to celebrate with him on WhatsApp.
What was probably said in jest took on a life of its own as Klopp granted Akinfewa’s request and reached out to the striker in a video call. Several other Liverpool players also got in touch with the giant player affectionately known as “The Beast” because of his giant size.
Seeing his teammate’s wish come true, Ofoborh who was a part of the Flying Eagles squad to the U20 FIFA World Cup in Poland last year decided to take a punt on getting a shoutout from his favourite player Pogba.
“I see @daRealAkinfenwa getting mad replies from liverpool players. i think this is the time to say @paulpogba i love you big time! my favourite player ever,” Ofoborh tweeted on Wednesday.
And the message duly caught the attention of the French World Cup winner who took time out from United’s preparations for Thursday’s crunch tie at Crystal Palace to record a heartwarming video message of congratulations and encouragement for Ofoborh.
“Yo, Nnamdi, what’s up men, it’s your boy PP,” Pogba began.
“I heard about you, just want to congratulate you on your promotion into Championship. I heard about your long journey in football and outside football and for sure, it’s not easy, it’s very difficult what you did and I just want to wish you the best. Carry on, keep it up keeping doing what you’re doing men.
“I’m gonna be looking after you until you get to the Premier League bro, alright. Keep it up my gee, we’re together.”
Born to in England to parents of Nigerian heritage, Ofoborh has already pledged his international future to the Super Eagles.
Following spells at Tottenham Hotspur and Millwall the 20-year-old midfielder signed for Bournemouth in 2017 and extended his contract with the Cherries a year later until 2021.
He joined Wycombe Wanderers on a season-long loan on 2 September 2019 and made his debut for them six days later against Lincoln City.
Ofoborh opened his account for the Chairboys in an EFL Trophy tie against Milton Keynes Dons on 12 November 2019 and chose an excellent time to score his first league goal which came in the EFL League One play-off semi final win against Fleetwood Town on 3 July 2020.
