Nahki Wells: “Tumaini Would Be Proud Of Me”
Nahki Wells spoke to the UK’s Express about his good friend Tumaini Steede — who died following a motorcycle accident in 2012 — saying his career is all about honouring his friend.
Wells has already paid tribute to Mr Steede, celebrating his goal against Aston Villa by displaying a t-shirt with “RIP Tumaini Steede”.
“He was a very tight mate of mine growing up,” Wells told the Express. “We played together from 12 years old, internationally for Bermuda through the age ranks. He was my strike partner for the youth national teams.
“I do have something planned for Sunday. When I revealed the T-shirt against Villa it was a poignant moment for me. It was something I felt I had to pay respects to because he would have been at that game.
“We played against each other so many times for different teams and on the field we hated each other, but off it we loved each other. In football, I could relate to him the most.
“He lost his life on a bike and what happened to him does inspire me to achieve what I have always wanted to achieve. As a friend he would have been so proud of me for doing something he always wanted to do.”
Wells told the Express about the learning of the horrible news, saying, “I was at home in Bradford just chilling and I got a call that he was in the hospital after a bike accident. He slid off the road into a tree.”
“One minute I heard he was all right and would hopefully continue to get better, then a few days later I got a call saying he had passed away. It was a great shock, a hard moment for me and my career is now all about honouring him.”
Mr Steede was a talented young footballer who represented the island internationally on multiple occasions. A brief video interview we did with him after he was named the Bermuda Football Association’s Young Player of the Year in 2011 is below.
Nahki Wells, 22, has been a key part of Bradford’s success, leading all scorers for Bradford with 18 goals so far this season. Locals can watch a live screening of the game tomorrow at CedarBridge, while also supporting our star players of the future, with 100% of proceeds from the event to be donated to the youth football programme at Nahki Wells former club Dandy Town.
You can view all our coverage of Nahki Wells road to Wembley here.
I nominate Nahki Wells as Bermudas Athlete of the year.
I agree .
Nahki I am so happy for you, thinking of your friend must be a truly divine experience..I’m sure he would be proud of you…Moms is always proud of you and enjoy watching you aspire to your heights! furby and company are cheering for you all the way..That was a touching tribute to a friend, you are a good friend..
what a fantastic guy, we are all so proud of you Nahki.
@ Bernews
Do you know if this match available on Bermuda Cablevision or WOW?
Should be on both…
Not 100% sure but was told Cablevision is not carrying the game…that sucks if its true. .
I heard that the match will be on chanell 7 can anyone verify this ?
Bernews you say it should be on both but what time and what chanells ?
Starts at 12 noon – CableVision Channels 101 & 416, and WOW should be 103
Bernews, the big boss at ZBM said it would be on chanell 7 ?? HELP…….
Yes, we think it will be on #7 too…just waiting on a call back to confirm..
Nahki will score a hat trick..
nuff love u are a true friend bermuda needs more youth to follow in your footsteps
ALL the best Nahki Wells…Tsumani Steede would be extremely proud of your success. You have made Bermuda very proud…..bless up!!!
Also showing on channel 7 @ 11.45am start time 12pm noon.
Thank you Mrs Rambo…
Nahki…Tumaini # 10 will be with you all the way:
: Bermuda Is Very,Very Proud Of You:
Be Blessed: