"If Ghana does get there and I am lucky enough to be selected, it would be a dream. Everyone who plays the sport dreams of playing for their country. Growing up and seeing those guys supporting our nation shows me what it means to the people of Ghana. It would be the ultimate, beyond my wildest dreams, to be a part of it," Nyarko said.
It would be a great statement about how far the soccer program has come under now former coach Oliver Weiss to have an alumnus participate in the great international tournament, but Nyarko is very level-headed about the possibility, a sign of great maturity.
Nyarko is just one example of many players from overseas that have bolstered the Hokie's program.
With his expanded role on the Fire this season, Nyarko has faced some tough opponents - none tougher than the midfield of DC United, led by Ben Olsen, the 32-year-old veteran.
"Olsen is an older player, but his touches are still great and nothing fazes him. He may have lost a step from his younger days but he's definitely still got (great ability)." Nyarko said.
Not only is playing against great players improving his skills, but his spectacular teammates are playing a large role in developing his deep potential. USA national player Brian McBride is one of a handful of star cohorts on the Fire's roster.
"I look up to a couple guys, like McBride, Logan Pause, and Chris Rolfe. They have been playing here for a while. McBride's experience in the World Cup is great; he has played at such a high level, and playing with him is pretty special," Nyarko said.
The opportunity to play with a world-class player like McBride can do wonders for any player's confidence and morale, not to mention help rapidly improve his teammates' abilities.
Nyarko points to those leaders as his driving motivation to become a great professional player and to follow in their footsteps.
Having leaders like that can also help develop the mental strength to play through tough, long, grinding games.
Earlier this season, the Fire battled the New York Red Bulls to a fierce 1-0 victory, in which Chicago lost a man to a red card early in the first half, yet still managed to win the game.
"I liked our dedication, to come out with a victory despite being a man down for so long. It was a special win in front of our home fans, and it most importantly kept our unbeaten record intact," Nyarko said.
Continue Reading: « Previous12
Leave a comment 0 Comments Write a letter to the editor
All letters to the editor must include a name, e-mail, daytime phone number and affiliation to Virginia Tech. Affiliation includes: year and major for students; position and department for faculty and staff; current city for alumni and parents.