‘Powers' takes the region by storm
Kaieteur News
January 27, 2007
Prolific striker Nigel O'Neil Codrington known in the local football fraternity and in regional circles as ‘Powers' has really come of age as Guyana's leading marksman.
The Campbellville resident, an integral part of the history making ‘Golden Jaguars', Guyana's senior national football team, ended the just concluded Digicel Caribbean Cup (DCC) regional competition as the leading goal scorer, becoming the first Guyanese to achieve such a feat.
Codrington, during the tournament ripped apart the defense of all the teams they have encountered showing his ability and hunger for finishing with the 11 goals he has scored in 9 matches, one more than St. Vincent and the Grenadine's Shandel Samuel.
He also netted the first and only hat-trick of the tournament in Guyana 's 4-3 win over Guadeloupe at the finals hosted in Trinidad and Tobago and was named man of the match for his outstanding performance in the game.
In the first round (group ‘A'), he blasted doubles against Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles, while in 2nd round play he scored another double against Guadeloupe and one each against Antigua and Barbuda and the Dominican Republic.
Overall, Powers has scored 15 international goals in the 18 matches he has played so far for his country. Powers' performance certainly stands out in a team that also has the enviable distinction under the astute captaincy of Charles ‘Lily' Pollard of taking Guyana to its highest ranking to date on the FIFA Coca Cola list of 100.
All this he believes was achieved by the collective efforts and hard work of his teammates, the technical staff led by Trinidad and Tobago 's Jamal Shabaaz and the Guyana Football Federation (GFF).
Born on July 5th 1979, Codrington, the eldest of eight children (5 girls and 3 boys) started his career at the Camptown Football Club and Redeemer Primary School both based in Campbellville. He comes from a family of great football heritage, his grandfather Wilmot Codrington played for the Caribbean All Stars, while his father Edward Knights, played with Lodge Rovers among other clubs in the 1970's. Younger brothers Jamal and Okeri Codrington also play the game.
Camptown FC has the distinction of producing a number of past national players the likes of Jermaine Smartt, Lawrence Arjoon, Colin Hinds, Steve Bishop, Mark Braithwaite, the late Derrick Anderson, Elson Hinckson, Dank Bailey and Marlon Hendricks.
Powers left Camptown to play for current President's Cup and Mayors Cup champions Pele between 1990 and 1996, but returned to his former club, leading them to the 2003/4 Kashif and Shanghai championship, the 2nd time they won this prestigious tournament after taking it ten years earlier.
He has credited his early tactical and technical development and his current marketability to former Camptown coach Desmond Alfred. This foundation created opportunities for his exposure with clubs in Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago .
His first taste of football on the overseas circuit came in 2003/4 when he played with top Barbadian side Notradame. He then moved over to T&T in 2005 where he played with Pro League sides San Juan Jabloteh, North East Stars and presently, Caledonia AIA for the last three months of the Pro League during which time he netted 11 goals, making a name for himself as one of the best finishers.
“From my point of view the coach and everybody, I did very well for Caledonia …..”I feel if I was there for the entire season I would have ended as the leading goal scorer because the overall leader had 16 goals.”
Some of his proudest moments were experienced whenever he puts on the national uniform which he says is a great honor. “When your family, the coaches and the people believe in you is great and for me and the entire team, I think we did very well in the Digicel Cup competition.”
The DCC was the first major tournament for the striker, who is looking forward to a full season in the Twin Island Republic , which is expected to kick off mid February with his ultimate aim being to help his club win the league.
Codrington said he is very happy that a number of his other colleagues are also playing at the Pro League level in the Twin island Republic which will rebound to the continued development of the game in Guyana which has been evident.
He is encouraging the younger players to keep focused and be disciplined. “Just give your best, dedicate yourself to the sport and you would get something out of it…” Don't bother with what people say, football don't give you nothing, football gives you a lot, just dedicate yourself and keep focused and you will get success out of it.”
With regard to his future club career in Guyana , Codrington said he would like to see his old club Camptown having a functioning executive in place and a qualified coach so that they can regain their rightful place.
“In football you have ups and downs but if you do not have a leader, somebody to tell you when you are going wrong and you continue going by yourself it makes no sense...” Probably if Camptown has a coach I will be there since I would like them to look after the club and fix everything proper not only for the seniors but more importantly, the young players in Campbellville who have the talent to excel and do their community and country proud.”
The leading marksman is looking forward to a productive 2007 on the frontline for his club and country and is extending thanks to all the persons who have played a part in his personal development especially his mother, Donna Codrington.
“Names are too much to mention but to all who have helped me I would like to say thanks to them including all my fans.”