Golden Hawks – Episode 2: The Search Begins

Perfect Iloh sat on the edge of his bed, staring at the words he had written in the boy’s notebook the night before. "Project Golden Hawks is Back."

The words felt heavy, yet powerful. It had been years since he last thought about his childhood dream. But now, something inside him was stirring again.

“It’s time,” he whispered to himself.

Determined, he grabbed his phone, wallet, and car keys. He was going to find players—young, hungry, and talented players who were ready to make history.

The Search in Lagos

Driving across the busy streets of Lagos, Perfect visited different football fields, watching street games, training sessions, and casual kickabouts. He needed to find the right players, those with both skill and heart.

One evening, he found himself at a dusty pitch in Surulere. A group of boys were playing, but one caught his attention—a goalkeeper diving left and right, stopping every shot that came his way. He was fast, sharp, and fearless, despite not being the tallest.

Perfect smirked and called out, “Oi, boy!”

The boy turned, breathing heavily, sweat dripping down his forehead. “Yes, sir?”

Perfect walked onto the pitch. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m training,” the boy said, catching his breath. “I want to be a great goalkeeper.”

Perfect raised an eyebrow. “You’re not that tall for a keeper.”

The boy wiped his hands on his shorts and stood straight. “I’m 5’10” and still growing,” he said confidently. “Height isn’t everything. Reflexes, positioning, and heart—that’s what makes a great goalkeeper.”

Perfect smiled. He liked this kid’s confidence. “What’s your name?”

“Ayomide,” the boy replied. “I’m from Benin City.”

Perfect nodded, impressed. “Listen, Ayomide… do you want to join a team? A team where you can train and play at a level that can take you to the pro league?”

Ayomide’s eyes widened. “For real?”

“For real,” Perfect said. “But it’s not going to be easy. You’ll have to work harder than ever.”

The boy didn’t hesitate. “I’ll do whatever it takes.”

Perfect clapped him on the shoulder. “Good. Pack your things, we’re leaving tonight.”

The Journey Back Home

As they traveled back to Perfect’s hometown, Ayomide sat quietly, staring out of the window. “So… what’s the name of the team?” he finally asked.

Perfect glanced at him and smirked. “Golden Hawks.”

Ayomide grinned. “That sounds like a champion’s name.”

Perfect chuckled. “That’s because we’re going to be champions.”

With his first player recruited, Perfect knew this was just the beginning. The Golden Hawks were taking flight once again.

Golden Hawks – Episode 3: Building the Squad

Perfect Iloh stood on the sideline of his makeshift training ground, watching Ayomide train alone. The boy was dedicated, diving left and right, pushing himself to improve. Perfect nodded in approval—this was the kind of mentality he needed in his team.

But one player wasn’t enough. The Golden Hawks needed firepower, speed, and strength. It was time to find more warriors.

Finding the Playmaker – David

Perfect drove across town, stopping by different football pitches. It was late afternoon when he arrived at a dusty field where a small crowd had gathered to watch a street match.

The game was intense—two teams battling for dominance. But one player stood out. A young boy wearing a faded red jersey, quick on his feet, weaving past defenders like they weren’t there.

David.

He played as a striker but had the vision of a playmaker. Every touch was precise, every pass was sharp. Midway through the match, he received the ball on the left wing, cut inside, and, without hesitation, unleashed a curling shot from outside the box.

The ball soared through the air, bending past the goalkeeper into the top corner. The crowd erupted.

Perfect smiled. This was exactly the kind of player he needed.

After the match, Perfect approached him.

“You played well,” he said.

David wiped sweat from his forehead and nodded. “Thanks.”

Perfect folded his arms. “Do you want to play at a level everyone dreams of?”

David hesitated, then met Perfect’s gaze. “Are you serious?”

Perfect nodded.

David didn’t need to think twice. “I’m in.”

“Get in the car,” Perfect said.

David grabbed his bag, said goodbye to his friends, and joined Perfect on the journey.

Recruiting the Defender

As they drove back, they passed a small compound where a boy was running laps around his backyard. His speed, stamina, and determination caught Perfect’s attention.

Perfect rolled down his window and called out, “Oi! What’s your name?”

The boy stopped and looked over. “I’m Samuel.”

Perfect stepped out of the car. “You look strong. You a defender?”

Samuel nodded. “Center-back. I train every day.”

Perfect studied him for a moment. He had the build of a solid defender—strong, disciplined, and determined.

“You want to join a real team?” Perfect asked.

Samuel’s face lit up. “I’d love to.”

“Then get in.”

Without hesitation, Samuel grabbed his boots and hopped into the car. The Golden Hawks had their wall at the back.

The Tall Striker – Michael

After dropping the players off at the training ground, Perfect went out to get food. As he drove past an empty school field, he noticed a tall boy practicing shots at an open goal.

He stayed in his car, watching. The boy kept missing, hitting the post, skying shots, or barely getting any power on them. But what struck Perfect wasn’t the missed shots—it was the fact that the boy never stopped trying.

For ten minutes, he kept going.

Perfect finally stepped out. “Hey!”

The boy turned.

“What’s your name?”

“Micheal,” the boy said, panting.

Perfect nodded. “Micheal, you have potential. Plus, you’re tall. How tall are you?”

Michael shrugged. “Just under 6 feet.”

Perfect smirked. “Good enough.”

Micheal looked confused. “For what?”

“For a chance to join my team,” Perfect said. “You’ll get opportunities to shine against other teams. You in?”

Michael took a deep breath, looking at the goalpost, then back at Perfect. He had never been offered something like this before.

Finally, he exhaled and said, “Yes.”