Iwuji Augustine Amamchukwu, popularly known as Austin Amutu, began his journey toward football stardom on the streets of Jos, Plateau State.
Growing up, life was difficult. As a young boy with a burning passion for football, he often had to hawk goods just to afford football kits and feed himself.
In an exclusive phone interview, Amutu revealed that at some point, even his family turned their backs on him.
His father began comparing him with his peers who were making progress in education and business. But despite the emotional and financial setbacks, Austin never gave up. He believed deeply that one day he would rise and make a difference.
It was Young Planners FC and Arsenal FC Jos two grassroots teams in Jos that gave him the platform to develop his raw talent.
Under the mentorship of Coach Aminu Yayi, he continued to push his limits.
While hustling around Terminus, the central business district of Jos, Amutu got wind of a screening exercise by Mighty Jets FC. He rushed to the screening venue near Bauchi Road, though he didn’t even have proper football boots and kits. Desperate to participate, he went around asking friends to lend him boots and kits. Fortunately, during his first session, he caught the eye of Coach Shola Popo, who signed him on the spot.
Life at Mighty Jets was tough players were barely paid any allowances.
Yet, Amutu remained focused. In the 2009/2010 season, he emerged as the highest goal scorer and best player in the league.
His performance attracted the attention of Coach Nduka and Coach Tony Ogaranduku of Plateau United. Though Coach Tony admired his talent, he felt Amutu was too young to join the senior team at the time.
After a year at Mighty Jets, Amutu got an invitation for trials at Warri Wolves, a top-tier Nigerian team based in Delta State. Initially, the club declined to sign him. However, everything changed when he was listed among the invitees for Nigeria’s U-17 national team. Realizing his potential,
Warri Wolves quickly signed him. Over the next three years, he excelled at the club, winning multiple awards.
Clubs Austin Amutu Has Played👇👇👇
👉Mighty Jets FC (Nigeria)
👉Warri Wolves FC (Nigeria)
👉 Kelantan FA (Malaysia)
👉Pahang FA (Malaysia)
👉 Zarzis (Tunisia)
👉Al-Jandal SC (Saudi Arabia)
👉 Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona (Israel)
👉 Yeni Malatyaspor (Turkey)
👉Al Masry SC (Egypt)
👉Al Ittihad Alexandria (Egypt)
👉Al Etihad (Libya)
👉Talaba SC (Iraq)
His first stint abroad came with Kelantan FA in Malaysia, where he impressed with his dynamic attacking play. He later moved to Pahang FA in the same league before switching to Zarzis in Tunisia.
Amutu then joined Al-Jandal of Saudi Arabia before moving to Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona in Israel, where he scored 6 goals in just 8 matches, showcasing his maturity and versatility.
His performance caught the eye of Turkish side Yeni Malatyaspor, who signed him shortly after.
Continuing his impressive career, he moved to Al Masry SC in Egypt, and then to Al Ittihad of Alexandria. He also had a stint with Al Etihad of Libya before signing for Talaba SC in the Iraqi Premier League, where he currently plays.
Today, Austin Amutu is a household name a shining example of determination and purpose for younger players.
His journey from Jos to international football serves as an enduring inspiration to young footballers in Nigeria and beyond.
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@Coach Uni Dan Kakwi