Nwagua cherishes partnership with Lokosa

.Says friendship is beyond the pitch

By Taofeek Babalola

Nwagua Nyima has described his striking partnership with Kano Pillars’ teammate Junior Lokosa as ordained by God.

Nyima and Lokosa joined Sai Masu Gida at the same time during the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) mid season transfer last year from Lobi Stars and First Bank of Lagos respectively.

The duo’s inclusions in the Pyramid City side have given the team a cutting edge in term of scoring goals and winning matches.

Most times, Nwagua provided the majority of the assists which produced Lokosa’s goals for the former league champions.

In their last game against River United, Nwagua assisted Lokosa in the build up to his equalizer against Rivers United in the 1-1 draw played at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofarmata, Kano on Sunday.

In a chat with SportingLife, Nwaga said his partnership with Lokosa is now a bond that has grown beyond the field of play.

He added that they worked very hard to get result for their team.

“I can't really say more about this because it's something both of us have even sat down together to say ‘wow! We are really getting to know ourselves more than ourselves’. But it's been God all the way. We both came here at the same time and practically we became friends,” Nwagua told SportingLife.

 “Then we had to put the team first and work very hard to get it right, while working hard, we never knew we were really becoming a bond. Most times, I think our relationship outside the field too has also been a plus because, apart from been partners up-front, we have managed to become best friends too. So we worked for each other and correct ourselves without anger or bitterness. But to it all, we give God the glory.”

Nwagua has however heaped praises on Lokosa for his display while with the national team. Lokosa made his international debut when Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by the DR Congo in an international friendly match in Port-Harcourt.

The league highest goal scorer with 19 goals, who was earlier included in the Super Eagles 30-man squad for the 2018 World Cup, was dropped from the final 23-man list but Nwagua believes Lokosa justified his called up to the national team with the little time he spent with the team.  

“About the World Cup, I am proud of him and also happy because he justified himself during his stay with the Super Eagles. I also thank the national team side for the hope and assurance they gave us (local players) because we were recognized, meaning they are monitoring our progress in the NPFL,” Nwagua said.