How it all came to be...
When Nelson Akwari looks back on his young soccer career, he can't help but smile to himself.
"I have a lot that I still want to accomplish, but I am so grateful for the opportunities the game of soccer has provided me with thus far. Growing up you always have the dream of becoming a professional athlete, but it seems like such a far fetched goal. I am lucky that I was able to put in the necessary work and meet the right people to help me along the way."
"Nelly" was born and raised in Texas by loving parents who emigrated to the US from Nigeria. He has played soccer as long as he can remember and played in his first competitive league at the age of 5. While soccer was his primary sport, Nelly also excelled on the football field and well as the basketball court. During high school, Nelly's physical size caught up to his soccer skill and he took his game to a very high level, quickly becoming one of the finest defenders in the country. As a senior he was named the 1999 NSCAA National Player of the Year and was named first-team Parade All-America. Several schools lobbied for Nelly's services but he ultimately settled on UCLA.
As a college freshman, Nelson was an integral part of the Bruins defense, becoming one of only 3 players to start all 19 games. He was named Honorable Mention All-Pac 10 and helped lead the Bruins to 10 shutouts. As a sophomore, Nelly was named team co-captain and led the Bruins defense to 9 shutouts and a Pac 10 leading 1.02 goals allowed per game. He was named second-team All NSCAA and earned a first-team All-Pac 10 selection. Following his stellar sophomore campaign, Nelly signed with Mahor League Soccer's Project 40 program and officially became a professional athlete.
Nelly was selected by the MetroStars via lottery in August of 2002. As a rookie he played in a total of 7 games with 3 starts and recorded his first professional point in an exhibition game against Chivas Guadalajara (Mexico). The following year, Nelly was traded to the Columbus Crew and played in 11 games, while making 5 starts. In 2004, Nelly came into his own as an MLS defender, playing in a career high 19 games with 16 starts for Columbus and helped to lead them to the MLS Supporters Shield.
Now Nelly looks to continue his upward ascent in MLS with Real Salt Lake. Reunited with his former U-17 Coach John Ellinger, for whom he served as team captain, Nelly is poised to become a key member of the team. His physical style of play mixed with his technical soccer training makes him a vital part of RSL's defense. From the looks of the future, it's safe to say that the best is yet to come in Nelly's young career and at the end of the day, he can look forward to even more moments to sit back and smile about.
Coach Ellinger's Call...
"I have a great relationship with Nelly and I am glad that he has become a viable player in this league, he deserves it. He is a special player and a great person. When it looked like he was going to be available in the expansion draft I knew that I wanted him on our team. He provides us with valuable depth in the back and will be a very positive force in the locker room. I look forward to being able to gauge his progress on the field as his coach again. I foresee great things in Nelly's future, if he continues to work hard and do the right things he will become a regular starter at the MLS level."
Field Vision: GK DJ Countess Says...
"Nelly is a great soccer player and he has all of the physical tools needed to succeed in the league. We have played together for a number of years and I know that if he gets a consistent opportunity he will become a regular starter in this league and have a long successful career. He is a loyal person and will be a stabilizing force on our team both on the field and off."
Things you need to know...
Favorite athlete:
Michael Jordan
Nickname:
Nelly
Hobbies:
Reading, listening to music and watching movies
Most memorable moment:
Captaining U-17 and U-20 National Teams
Favorite music:
Hip-Hop
Favorite movie:
Braveheart
Favorite food:
Mom's Nigerian food
Favorite book:
The Bible
Favorite TV show:
Sportscenter
