August 28, 2024
PHNOM PENH – A football-mad 12-year-old, affectionately known as the “Cambodian Mbappe” among his friends, was chatting with his teammate over the phone when his father inquired about their conversation. The young Nigerian footballer, who was born in Cambodia, replied, “They were asking me about my visa. When I’m going to get it and how I’m going to go to Indonesia.”
Toon, one of his teammates, consistently messaged him. “Hey Wisdom, what’s the result? Are you going? Can you go?”
When the news broke that Wisdom would not be joining his teammates in Indonesia, Toon shared his sadness.
“I’m so sorry for you, bro. I will do this for you. I will win for you. I will do everything I can to fight for you,” he wrote.
There is a strong team culture among the players of the Boengket Football Academy Elite team. Playing in the U12 and U13 league as part of Boungket FC, they were invited to take part in the Garuda International Cup 2024, which is currently underway at the Asiop Training Ground in Sentul, Indonesia.
While the players are excited to be challenging international clubs at such a high level, they are without their talismanic star.
The team was specifically invited by tournament director Wahyu Budiarto in June.
“We believe that your team’s skills and sportsmanship would greatly contribute to the success of our event, and we would be honoured to have you join us for an exciting weekend of competition,” he wrote.
The invitation also laid out the complimentary package that the club would receive, including accommodation, meals, transportation and other amenities.
Unfortunately, Wisdom Chukwuebuka Onyekachi, who speaks fluent Khmer and English, was unable to secure a visa to attend the tournament. He could only cheer on his teammates as they departed.
“Football means everything to my son Wisdom. He trains very hard four times a week. Sometimes, when I’m busy, he calls me over and over to remind me to pick him up for training,” his father, Michael Onyekachi, tells The Post.
Youth Federation President and Deputy Prime Minister His Excellency Hun Many takes a selfie with Wisdom. PHOTO: SUPPLIED/THE PHNOM PENH POST
Onyekachi, 47, is originally from Nigeria but has been living in Cambodia for 18 years. He previously lived in other Asian countries such as Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia while he searched for business opportunities, eventually settling in the Kingdom. After just a few years here, he knew he had found the place he wanted to be, and brought his wife along. After building a successful business, they had their children here, including Wisdom.
“Ever since I moved here, it has been an amazing experience. Despite being from a different culture and ethnicity, we have good neighbours and people around us,” he says.
In his own words, Onyekachi shared, “To be sincere, living in Cambodia has taught me what peace is all about, living with good people around you, in a friendly and peaceful environment.”
Onyekachi first noticed Wisdom’s love and passion for football at the age of 9. Every day, he played football inside the house, sometimes even breaking things with his powerful shots. His father decided to enrol him in a football academy. On weekends, Wisdom would disappear from morning till noon, come back for lunch, and then vanish again until late evening, playing football with his friends.
“His school informed me that he was playing football even during school hours. I found Boengket Football Academy, and he has been playing there since he was 9. Now, he is 12,” Onyekachi says.
Wisdom is currently studying in grade 4 at Luxury International School in Phnom Penh. Football has given him confidence and taught him to be friendly and he is a welcome part of his community.
He speaks Khmer fluently, which has boosted his self-esteem and helped him integrate.
“His soccer skills have led to him meeting some high-profile people in Cambodia. He has many fans who call him ‘Mbappe’ because of his smart soccer skills,” said his father.
Wisdom has attracted the attention of several high-profile fans. From left to right: Dy Vichea, Hun Mana, Wisdom and his father. PHOTO: SUPPLIED/THE PHNOM PENH POST
Wisdom’s skills have made him well-known in Cambodia, especially on TikTok and Facebook.
Many high-profile people have gotten to know him, including Youth Federation President and Deputy Prime Minister Hun Many, Deputy Prime Minister Say Samal and the leadership group of the Boengket Football Club.
Wisdom is beloved by many football fans in Cambodia, from Boengket Football Club, the Academy, and soccer school kids, coaches and fans. He is well-regarded on the pitches of all of the Kingdom’s football academies.
Everyone who meets Wisdom admires his motivation, skills, courage and passion for football. Born in Cambodia, he dreams of one day becoming a professional football player and playing for the Cambodian National Team.
Despite being the only “foreigner” among his teammates in the Boengket Football Academy Elite team, he is a key player.
Unfortunately, whenever they take part in international tournaments outside Cambodia, Wisdom is the only one who needs to submit his passport for visa approval.
He has travelled to Japan and Thailand for competitions, but his visa to Indonesia was denied, preventing him from joining his teammates for the Garuda International Cup. This affected him deeply, even though his teammates and parents were there to comfort him.
Onyekachi added, “Despite both of his parents being foreigners, I haven’t taken steps for him to gain Cambodian citizenship yet.”
Wisdom Chukwuebuka Onyekachi was born and raised by Nigerian parents in Cambodia. PHOTO: SUPPLIED/THE PHNOM PENH POST
Wisdom’s father expressed his hopes that Wisdom could obtain Cambodian citizenship, allowing him to fulfil his dream. He highlighted Wisdom’s love for football, his strong connection to Cambodia, and his potential to contribute to the national team.
“As a father, I plead with the Royal Government, the King, and the Prime Minister to grant our son Wisdom the opportunity to have Khmer nationality so he can continue to participate and represent his team and Cambodia in international tournaments. His passion and skills in football are extremely great.”
His teammates have already arrived in Indonesia. One of them, Vireakboth, who saw Wisdom crying, told the others, “I almost cried too.”
His friend Vireak echoed, “Same.” Alex added, “I feel bad for him.” Toon promised, “When I score, I’m gonna do a celebration inspired by him.”
With any luck, Wisdom will one day be celebrating his own goals in the colours of the Kingdom’s national side.