Manchester United and Denmark full-back Patrick Dorgu has revealed the meaning of his Nigerian name and why it holds significant meaning for him, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 20-year-old was Ruben Amorim’s first signing since he took over the coaching reins at Old Trafford in November 2024.
Although he achieved a lifelong dream by joining the three-time UEFA Champions League winners, Dorgu hasn’t had it easy in United, as he’s constantly come under scrutiny for his indecisiveness in the final third during games.
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Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, to Nigerian parents, the former Lecce man has maintained his Nigerian roots, despite choosing to play for the Danish Dynamites internationally.
After joining Manchester United, he made an important request to officially acknowledge his Nigerian heritage by incorporating his middle name, Chinazaekpere, into his details.
Dorgu explains his name
Recently, in a local church, the blistering full-back discussed his beliefs and shared the meaning of his Igbo name, a sect of Nigerians located in the south-eastern part of the country.
“Chinazaekpere means ‘God answers prayers. That’s what my parents gave to me when I was born,” the former Nordsjælland FC man said in quotes revealed by Manchester United’s official website.
“Religion means a lot to me; it’s always been a big part of my life and my family’s.
“I’ve always been praying since I was young, and I keep praying.
“Family and the community are what I’ve grown up with in Denmark, so it’s good to try and maintain it here [Manchester] too.
“I come to pray at this church on Sunday if I have the time and we don’t have a game; I try to be here as much as I can,” Dorgu continued.
Quizzed if his prayers give him and his teammates an edge whenever they play against their opponents, the 1.85m tall defender said;
“I don’t know if it [religion] has an advantage [on the pitch]. It’s about always believing, believing that God has a plan for me, and for my career.
“United is a massive club, I knew it would be a great opportunity, and I always think that God has a plan for everything.
“The fact that United were the only team in for me in January meant, for me, it has to be here.
“I’ve had ups and downs. It’s just about always believing in myself and believing that I can always get better by getting top moments on the pitch.
“It’s about learning from my mistakes. It’s about me always giving my best and giving the best side of me,” Dorgu concluded.
Since Ruben Amorim took over the coaching reins from Erik Ten Hag at Manchester United, the Red Devils have yet to win consecutive Premier League games.