It is the dream of every youngster to one day meet their role model and even get a chance to share the same dressing room with them, Adebola Ahmed, a 15-year-old footballer is no different.
The youngster, a product of Maradona FC in Ijaiye, Lagos, said in an interview with PUNCH Sports Extra that one of his biggest dreams was to one day meet Real Madrid and Brazilian defender, Marcelo, his role model.
Speaking about his role model in football, Adebola said, “Marcelo is my role model and I watch his game a lot so I can learn from him. He is one of the best full-backs I have ever seen and despite his age he continues to deliver whenever he is on the pitch.
“It will be a dream come true if I can get to meet him and nothing will excite me more than sharing the same dressing room with him.”
Adebola is just 15 but he already nurses the ambition of playing for his favourite club, Manchester United.
“I am a big fan of Manchester United, if given the opportunity to play for a club in Europe, it’s definitely going to be the Red Devils. I hope to one day play at Old Trafford.”
Not in a hurry to make the big move, the youngster said he wanted to focus on his development and wait for his chance.
“At the moment, I am with Maradona FC in Lagos where I want to continue to develop my game and focus on my education.”
Combining education and sport has always been a major problem for most athletes, especially for the SS3 student who is also preparing for his senior WAEC exams.
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However, the youngster said he had devised a means to combine both with a promise to excel in his education.
“Going to training and reading can be very demanding but I am studying hard to ensure that my grades stay up.
“I am in SS3 and I am preparing for my exam. While going for training, I still ensure that I read my books. I already drew a time-table to help me plan my activities. My coach and my parents have all been there for me and they’ve ensured that I put everything in order to excel in both fields.”
Because of the improved fortunes in international competition and increased media interest in the game, many youngsters embark on their dream to be a full-time professional player. Adding to the desires that Adebola would one day hope to cross off his list is the dream of playing for the national team.
He added, “Among other things I hope to achieve is making it to the Nigeria U-17 team very soon and gradually progress to play for the Super Eagles. This will definitely make my parents proud.
“I’ve watched a lot of the Eagles players on the television and I pray I also get to make it into the dressing room and if I am fortunate I may still get to meet some of the players who are still young at the moment.”