Target Asian Championship in January
At the end of the 2021/22 season, storm talent Michael Udebuluzor was called up to the professional squad at FC Ingolstadt 04 for the first time. The development of the 18-year-old at the “Schanzern” has faltered a little since then, mainly due to injury – but the Hong Kong-born son of the former Nigerian professional Cornelius Udebuluzor is not despondent. No wonder, the Asian Cup in January 2024 is probably the biggest highlight of his career so far. Udebuluzor has chosen the East Asian country over Nigeria. The main reason for this is Hong Kong national coach Jörn Andersen, as he reveals in an interview with Transfermarkt.
There are only bureaucratic reasons why Udebuluzor did not join the squad during this international break: “In December I flew to Hong Kong to see my family again after years in which this was not possible due to Corona and I took the opportunity to get my passport apply for. Unfortunately, I don’t know how quickly it will be possible for me to get it. I think that unfortunately I won’t be able to play for Hong Kong during this international break, but I’m very optimistic and I’ll be happy to join them in the next international matches,” says the two-footed goalscorer.
Just over a year ago, Transfermarkt portrayed Udebuluzor’s special path to the dream of becoming a professional footballer. From the youth of the eleven-time champion in Hong Kong, Kitchee, Udebuluzor moved to the German football boarding school in Bad Aibling in 2018 at the age of just 14 and without his family, who stayed in East Asia – and there he attracted the attention of the scouts of several professional clubs from the region . It comes as a surprise that it will now be Hong Kong and not Nigeria, since his focus at the time was still on his father’s country of birth.
In the meantime, however, Udebuluzor has discussed this in detail with his family and his team of advisors: “I was born and grew up in Hong Kong, went to school there and played football. But the decisive point was coach Jörn Andersen, who believes in me and my abilities and appreciates me very much. We met in Hong Kong at the beginning of January and he made it clear to me again that I play a very important role in his planning. So the decision was made to play for Hong Kong. I am very happy with the decision and look forward to representing the country soon!”
Hong Kong coach Jörn Andersen has “important role” for Ingolstadt’s Udebuluzor
The former coach of Mainz 05 and Karlsruher SC, among others, sees Udebuluzor as an important building block for Hong Kong’s future in football, the striker says he should “play an important role”. The 60-year-old has given him his own athletic trainer to help him get over the injuries he’s had to deal with this season.
“Unfortunately, my development has stalled this season due to minor injuries and bruises, which of course always disrupt the rhythm. I’ve just come from an ankle injury, which I got over well,” explains Udebuluzor, whose contract with the third division club runs until 2024.
After nine goals in 19 games for Ingolstadt’s U19s, the striker has four goals in his first games this season, and he was also allowed to play once for the second team in the Bayernliga Süd. “The injuries have made me mentally even stronger and I’m convinced that I have what it takes to gain a foothold in professional football,” emphasizes Udebuluzor. “I’m looking forward to what’s to come and I’m dying for every new challenge.” He is particularly grateful his coach in the U19s, Sabrina Wittmann, “who, despite the four-week absence, gave me the confidence to be in the starting XI for the last two games. I’m happy that I was able to play my part in securing relegation in the last game (goal and assist in the 3-1 win at Astoria; ed.).”
Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Most Valuable Players
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