Shoes in the Dust | Chapter 5

 

Chapter 5: The Tryout

One morning at school, a notice appeared on the board: Lagos Youth Football Trials — Under 15 Squad. Open to all.

Emeka’s heart raced. This was it — a real chance. He tore off the slip with the address before anyone else could.

At home, he hid the paper under his mattress. He knew what Mama and Aunt Ifeoma would say. They’d never let him go.

So he planned: he’d tell Mama he was going to the library on Saturday. He’d sneak to the field instead. One shot — that’s all he needed.

That week, he polished his boots with shoe polish borrowed from a neighbor. He lay awake every night picturing his name on a real jersey.