Chikeluba Francis Ofoedu is a Nigerian forward,born in Enugu,on 12th November,1992.
"Pato" as he is fondly called by fans and technocrats of the game made defenders look ordinary in the grassroot level of football in Enugu.Despite his young age and size, his coaches were never afraid to entrust him with tasking responsibilities during key games.
Chikeluba Ofoedu is the type of player you only need to watch once to be impressed, he’s obviously having a great run of form at the moment. Ofoedu is a quite stocky, athletically built player. Very mobile and ceases every little opportunity to mount tireless pressure on opposing defenders. His ball control is terrific, and his ability to hold unto the ball is also good, his footwork is also good. A striking thing about this player is the aura of confidence and self-belief.
He made waves as the talisman of University Teaching Hospital Football Club,banging in the goals during his football apprenticeship,in the amateur cadre.He was twice the topscorer in the Nigeria Nationwide League 2.
In January 2012, Chikeluba Ofoedu and Brendan Ogbu travelled to Tunisia for a two-week trial at Espérance Sportive de Tunis.
None of the players won a contract at the Tunisian side and Ogbu signed for Heartland FC instead.
His talents was noticed by Enugu Rangers' scouts and he was given the chance to impress.The idea was to replace him with the more experienced Ogbu.
He made his Nigeria Premier League bow against Kaduna United.Although he fired blanks,he was given rave reviews by fans and pundits of the game.It wouldn't take too long as the fair-skinned starlet,netted a brace against Kano Pillars in Enugu.
He continued his blistering form and was voted the best player for the month of March,alongside team gaffer Okey Emordi.
Chikeluba Ofoedu became a sensation during the first 12 rounds of the Nigeria Premier League 2012.He was the top scorer at Enugu Rangers,with 6 goals,an average of 0.5 per match.
Before the mid-season,speculations were rife that Sochaux and Etoile du Sahel had sent scouts to observe the fast-rising lad during a league match Rangers played against archrivals,Shooting Stars.
His hardwork was duly rewarded when Rosenborg took him on a 14-day trial,on the recommendation of John Chibuike,his childhood pal.He scored 6 goals during the trial period,but it was not enough to convince the Eliteserien giants.
During this period,the Flying Antelopes missed his inspiration upfront,as they were toppled by Kano Pillars as league leaders.
He returned home to help Rangers in the Cup and NPL quests.The fleet-footed forward grabbed two goals in the 2012 NFF Fed Cup.
In September 3rd 2012,the management of the Enugu-based outfit declared that the striker had gone AWOL.
News filtered-in from Turkey that the tricky Pato had penned a deal at 1461 Trabzon.
He made a goalscoring debut in the colours of the TTF 1 side,in a league match against Adanaspor.13 minutes after coming on for Mustafa,the former UNTH and Enugu Rangers attacker notched the equaliser,in the 58th minute.The soft-spoken forward known by admirers as ''Pato'' warmed himself to the hearts of 1461 Trabzon fans with the winning strike in the 65th minute of action.He was voted MVP at the end of the tension-socked match.
He also highlighted his importance with some cup goals notably,a blinder against Galatasaray.
His excellent performance has catapulted 1461 Trabon to a place in one of the promotion slots,as only four points seperates them from the top spot..
He has been tipped to be a leading light in the next Nigeria U-23 squad and a future Super Eagles star.
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