Daniel Udoh kept the competitive juices flowing with a spot of family rivalry
The Udoh family back garden in Telford transformed into a competitive sports arena throughout the long months of coronavirus lockdown.
Shrewsbury Town footballers were handed conditioning programmes to keep them in top shape during time away from Sundorne and Montgomery Waters Meadow – but many of Daniel Udoh’s hours were filled with sporting action of a different kind.
“We got a bit competitive with table tennis in the back garden and playing FIFA and stuff like that, doing things you can only do when you’re a kid,” said Udoh, who turned 24 in August.
“The months have been good for me. I’m a family guy, it was good to spend time we never get to spend with family.
“I stayed here through lockdown. Everyone was back home.
“You should’ve seen it, everyone was on top of each other every day.
“I didn’t mind it. We had different things to do, I started reading more, that was my time away from everyone.”
Nigeria-born Udoh is one of six siblings ranging from the eldest Patrick – who played football in Greece but managed to escape back to England before the pandemic took hold – to youngest Manny, who has started secondary school.
Daniel tried to enforce homework on Manny, which proved something of a lost cause.
Their family home in Lawley is a busy one – but who did the Udoh 2020 table tennis crown belong to?
“I was champion for about two weeks and then my dad got back on top again,” added ex-AFC Telford United striker Udoh.
“When I lost to my dad (Dominic) I was sat there waiting for my time to play him again. It was winner stays on.”
Udoh was keen to use his time wisely and turned to Christian book ‘Emotionally Healthy Spirituality’ by Peter Scazzero.
“I was trying to educate myself while knowing I had time on my hands,” he added. “I thought I might as well learn a few things through Christian books, books about psychology and mentality in life.
“The last book I read about was about the journey of a spiritual life and how everything in life comes together eventually.
“It linked to my football story and I’m trying to use it as my push to get better.”
Lockdown came at an unfortunate time for the striker, who was in fine form in early 2020, but Udoh has already enjoyed a run in Sam Ricketts’ side this season after injury to Rekeil Pyke.
