F8baller FC goalkeeper Dauda Sodiq lost his father on the eve of his debut in the Nationwide League One, (NLO) against Zenith Emperor in the matchday one fixture played at Maracana stadium in Ajegunle, Lagos.
The goalkeeper who was bereaved while staying between the sticks conceded the first goal in the 42 minutes after Zenith Emperor player Oluwaseun Sunday shot the ball to the roof of the net.
But before the final whistle, F8baller FC came from behind to win the match 2-1.
The victory, according to the goalkeeper, was the consolation of his mourning.
“The victory means a lot because I was still mourning my dad but they gave me the joy,” he told sportsvibe.com.ng.
Sodiq who was full of tears after the match got the cheers and prayers from his team players and coaching crew to pacify him.
Narrating his ordeal, he revealed that his father was involved in an auto crash, adding that he (Sodiq) was encouraged to pursue his career despite the demise of his father.
“Yesterday when I heard that my father was dead, I felt so bad but one of my coaches told me before I heard the news I am the one who will be at the goal post, so I don’t let that affect my career.
“This is my goal. I don’t know if today God will bless my career but at the same time, I felt like my father has gone. I won’t let that affect my own life. I am so sad that I lost my dad,” he said.