By; Ilekam ikechukwu (Flakes)

Chibuike Prestige is the sympbol of the new direction Ikorodu City have taken in gaining qualification for top-flight football next season. Developed by JJN football academy Aba, he joined Ikorodu City on loan in mid-season of the just concluded Nigerian National League season with 7 games played and capped off his short but impressive debut season with blistering display at the playoffs in Enugu forming a formidable defensive partnership with fellow centre back Habib Musa, a partnership that yielded dividends for the Lagos based outfit in gaining their maiden NPFL ticket. 

CHIBUIKE PRESTIGE'S STYLE OF PLAY

Still young and relatively unknown,  Chibuike is one of the better out-and-out defenders of his generation. He stands out for three key reasons – intelligence, composure, mobility. His defensive style isn’t defined by a standout skill, it is predicated on flexibility. He can step up to intercept a pass and engage in physical contact, or drop off to cover a run and sweep up behind the defensive line. He has good awareness and alertness, reading and reacting to situations quickly. He makes intelligent decisions and is constantly on his toes, adjusting position and posture to defend developing threats. 
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Chibuike's  defending is how assured he is, especially for his age and experience. He has great poise in defensive actions, particularly in one-on-one duels. He has great footwork to close the space quickly but without over-committing, and his timing in is impressive too. He is difficult to beat in wider areas, whether it be with a dribble or cross.

COACH BRIGHT OZIGBAGBE'S REACTION 

His sudden emergence at the back during the 7 matches played in the NNL regular season for Coach Bright Ozigbagbe's led side established a laudable stability which was evident during the playoffs at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium Enugu as they maintained an unbeaten streak prior to their promotion on the last day thanks to a 2 nil victory against South West rivals Madiba FC of lagos state.

Coach Bright commended the influence and consistency of Chibuike Prestige at the back for Ikorodu City and hoped such would be seen in the top-flight next season as top NPFL clubs are vying for his services already.

"He is a ball playing centre back, which defines the modern game, he brought stability at the back for us with his style of play which obviously would help us in the project for next season". 

The 20-year-old defender is primed for the summit as he became the cynosure of all eyes at the playoffs in Enugu with his consistency and impressive style of football at the back for Ikorodu City FC, it's aura of possibilities for the lagos based outfit in the NPFL. 

The world at his feet!