Daniel Agbavwe stands in the YMCA weight room, located near the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus. Sweat pours from his face as he labors for breath. His short break is over and he places himself in the leg extension machine, and labors through a set of eight repetitions as his workout comes to a close.
How he came to be in this gym is a story that begins an ocean and two continents away.
Agbavwe, 21, was born in Nigeria and at the age of 5 he moved with his family from Lagos, to Geneva, Switzerland, after his father received a job as an accountant for the United Nations.
In Geneva, Agbavwe said he forgot his native language of Hausa and learned to speak fluent French and English. After a high school career in football, Agbavwe considered the Swiss National team. As a citizen of Nigeria, Agbavwe was unable to be considered to play for the Switzerland team and, instead, set his sights on American Football.
Having spent about 16 years in Geneva, Agbavwe decided to follow his brother and sister’s example and attend college in America.
Agbavwe chose Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla., a 1 AA football school where he red shirted at running back. Now, in his second year in America, and first year at ASU, Agbavwe majors in Global Health.
“I’ve always liked helping people,” Agbavwe said.
Agbavwe said the major teaches ways to improve health in developing countries that may not have as sophisticated medical practices.
Steve Chinetti, a college friend, said Agbavwe has fit in well thus far.
“Everyone loves him,” Chinetti said. “(He’s) definitely a great guy.”
Agbavwe’s interest in pursuing the game remains. Maintaining a workout schedule of five days a week, usually working out twice a day, Agbavwe has been taking steps to improve.
Agbavwe said getting in touch with ASU football coaches has been a challenge despite persistent efforts.
At roughly 5 feet 10 inches tall and 220 pounds, Agbavwe said he spends at least an hour and a half in the weight room before heading to the treadmill for running.
Chinetti said he can attest to Agbavwe’s abilities.
“The amount of weight he can do is incredible,” Chinnetti said.
Chinetti said Agbavwe’s strength manifests itself in his ability to improve dramatically.
“He can lift more and more each time,” he said. “It’s incredible how he can get stronger.”
Agbavwe has also received help from David Bakardjiev, a competitive body builder.
Bakardjiev said Agbavwe was well below him in strength when they began working out together, but has since surpassed him.
“His strength has increased massively,” Bakardjiev said.
Aiding Agbavwe by providing workout tips, Bakardjiev said he has been impressed with what he has seen.
“I’ve worked out with him at least eight to 10 times … and he tries out his hardest on each repetition and each set,” he said. “I think if he were to do football he would be a really good asset to the team because he’s everything coaches really want. And I’m sure he can hit harder than blazes too.”
Agbavwe remains adamant about playing football again and at ASU.
“He has a shot, no doubt,” Chinetti said.
Contact the reporter at william.durso@asu.edu
