Amutu’s road to stardom
by Ojeikere Aikhoje 20 November 2012, 10:42
Ignored by Crown FC and Plateau United because he lacked league experience, Austin Amutu finally got his chance to play lower division football at Mighty Jets.
Amutu’s performance at Jets earned him a transfer to big spenders, Warri Wolves, where he scored goals in Nigeria’s top flight and Caf’s second tier club competition, the Confederation Cup.
In less than two months, the youngster had transformed from an
unknown quantity to a famous player among the fans.
That’s the interesting story of an ambitious lad who moved from zero to hero within a short time.
The home fans didn’t wait for too long to know their new hero as he crowned his home debut with a goal against Kwara United after scoring on a road trip.
At Wolves, Amutu rubbed shoulders with the legendary Jude Aneke, who is Nigeria’s all-time scorer.
In fact, Aneke told supersport.com that Amutu is a star destined to shine.
“Amutu is a talented lad. He has the attributes of a great player and has to remain focused.
"I'm not surprised that he has become a key member of the team
within a short time," Aneke said to SuperSport.com.
As expected, his five-star outing for Wolves was enough to earn him recognition by the influential League Bloggers Awards (LBA), Nigeria’s leading league awards brand as a rookie.
“It’s great to be nominated for the Rookie of The Year category. I know my time will come one day,” the striker told supersport.com.
Road To Wolves
The journey to Wolves wasn’t easy at all as the youngster managed
rejection and remained focused.
“I was sent to the Golden Eaglets camp under Monday Osagie and didn’t make the cut. However, the coach sent me to Crown FC to undergo trials.
“Crown rejected me and I went to Plateau United, where I was also
turned back,” he told supersport.com.
Fortune later smiled at Amutu as another Jos-based side, Mighty Jets accepted him.
“My story changed at Jets. Although, we were eventually relegated, I must confess that I had a great time with the club,” he stated.
Indeed, Amutu encountered his destiny at Jets at a time he never
realised it.
The forward was on duty for Mighty Jets in a lower division match
and Wolves were in Jos for a top flight match against Plateau United.
Like a diligent workman, the young lad gave his best for Jets on
matchday, not knowing that scouts from Wolves were on ground to see
the match.
That was enough to earn him a deal at the Warri side. Interestingly, he finished the season as the highest goal scorer for Jets.
Caf Confederation Cup
As a rookie, he got a rear chance to play on the continent and didn’t disappoint.
“I’ve always believed in myself and I work hard to achieve my goals,” Amutu told supersport.com.
Another good outing on his continental debut against FC Kallon
made him a favourite of the fans.
Amutu scored twice as Wolves hit Black Leopards 3-1 in the competition.
However, it turned out not to be enough as the South Africans won
the reverse fixture 2-0 to qualify on away goal rule.
