[size=13pt]Nigerian MLS Youngster Shot Dead in Chicago[/size]

By Sunleye-Solawumi Olaleye
03 May 2011
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[img]http://serving.thisdaylive.com/0bef99d6-acf5-4e2c-9779-8fa02ba3fcd4/assets/0305F01.Kabiru-Adewunmi.jpg?maxwidth=400&maxheight=540
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Kabiru Adewunmi, 16, shot dead in Chicago

[size=13pt]Just as we were trying our best to get over the death of one of Super Eagles’ prospects, Olubayo Adefemi, tragedy has again struck Nigerian football. This time round, it happened in Chicago, and at the weekend, taking away from us youngster, Kabiru Adewunmi.

Kabiru was a youth player for Major League Soccer club, Chicago Fire. Chicago Tribune reported the young Nigerian who had just moved to the US on a permanent abode basis, was killed in a shooting.

Adewunmi, cut down at the very nubile age of 16, had recently won a spot on the Chicago Fire Juniors North Team, a branch of the Chicago Fire youth team.

Police claimed that he was out with friends celebrating a victory by NBA team the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night when the gunman struck. He was rushed to hospital and pronounced dead later that night. The Police report added that investigators have not ruled out a gang related motive.[/size]

Adewunmi went to the US and to Chicago from Nigeria less than one year ago. He was already attracting the attention of college recruiters, according to his youth coach, Sole Antonijevic.

When inquiries were sent to the youngster about the possibility of him being capped at the Under-17 level for Nigeria some three months ago, mail returns indicated Adewunmi would be delighted with the idea. His coach also confirmed that many colleges have been recently interested in having him in their school.

Antonijevic said of him: "There were numerous emails from Division I colleges asking about his situation and saying they would like to recruit him and for him to be part of their programs. It doesn't happen very often that you have 10 or 15 Division I schools calling me and asking for that information." Antonijevic added: “He was a fantastic kid; the type of kid any classical sports organisation would love to have him be a part of."

Tags: Sports, Nigeria, Featured

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