Writers 
Episode 6: Game Day
The morning came too quickly.
Ayo had barely slept. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw the message on his phone and gets scared.
You shouldn't have come to Abuja.
But there was no time to think about it.
Today was game day.
The Warriors were playing their first match of the regional tournament, and several scouts were expected to be in the stands.
Ayo sat quietly in the hotel dining room, pushing food around his plate.
Tunde noticed and asked,
You're not eating?
I'm not really hungry.
Ayo replied.
Tunde shook his head and said.
Forget whatever is bothering you. Today is football.
Ayo smiled and said,
You're right.
After breakfast, the team travelled to the stadium.
The place was already crowded. Players from different teams moved around, warming up and talking with their coaches. Supporters filled the stands, and the sound of drums could be heard from outside.
Ayo stepped onto the field and looked around.
This was the biggest stadium he had ever played in.
His heart started beating faster.
Coach Musa walked over.
Nervous?
A little.
He said with a soft smile on his face.
Good.
Ayo looked at him strangely.
Coach Musa smiled.
Nerves mean you care. Just don't let them control you.
The match started.
The Warriors struggled in the first quarter. Their opponents scored early, and the defence looked uncomfortable.
Ayo remained on the sideline, waiting for his chance.
Then Coach Musa called him.
Get ready.
Ayo stood up immediately.
When he entered the game, the crowd became louder.
His first pass was short and safe.
The second went to Tunde for a good gain.
The third was incomplete.
Ayo took a deep breath.
Relax, he told himself.
The next drive went much better.
He began reading the defence and making quick decisions. His teammates responded to his confidence, and the Warriors moved closer to the end zone.
Then Ayo noticed something.
A man was standing near the far side of the stadium.
He wasn't wearing the colours of either team.
He wasn't cheering.
He was simply watching.
Ayo stared at him for a moment.
The man turned away.
Focus. Tunde shouted.
Ayo quickly looked back at the field.
The ball was snapped.
He threw a pass toward the right side.
Tunde caught it and ran into the end zone.
Touchdown.
The Warriors celebrated.
Ayo smiled, but his eyes went back to the man.
He was gone.
At halftime, Coach Musa gathered the players.
We're only three points behind. Stay calm and keep working.
Ayo drank some water.
Tunde sat beside him.
You've been looking around all day.
Ayo hesitated.
Someone was watching me.
Who?
I don't know.
Tunde looked concerned.
Tell Coach.
I will.
Before Ayo could say anything else, Coach Musa called him.
Ayo, come here.
They stepped away from the team.
I spoke with security, Coach Musa said. They'll keep an eye on the entrance and the player's area.
Ayo nodded.
Coach, I saw someone during the first half.
Did you recognize him?
No. Ayo replied.
Then don't worry about him. Focus on the game.
The second half began.
The Warriors played their best football of the tournament.
With less than two minutes remaining, they were leading by four points.
The opponents had possession.
Their quarterback threw a long pass.
A Warriors defender intercepted it.
The crowd exploded.
Victory was almost certain.
Ayo ran toward his teammates, laughing for the first time that day.
Then he stopped.
Something was lying beside his helmet on the bench.
A small white envelope.
His name was written across it.
AYO ADELANI
He picked it up slowly.
Coach Musa noticed.
What is that?
Ayo didn't answer.
He opened the envelope.
Inside was another photograph.
This time, it wasn't of him.
It was a picture of his mother standing outside her tailoring shop in Ibadan.
Ayo's smile disappeared immediately.
On the back of the photograph were six words.
The game is only the beginning.
Ayo looked at Coach Musa.
The coach's face went pale.
Neither of them said a word.
The final whistle sounded in the distance.
The Warriors had won.
But Ayo no longer cared about the victory.
Someone had found his mother.
Get ready to dive into deep waters as we continue in the next episode.