A 14-year-old fast rising attacker at Provazios Sports Academy of Lagos, Patrick Adeoluwanimi Akhidenor-Solanke wants to emulate the efforts of former Super Eagles’ captain, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha.
Though Patrick Solanke is an attacker and Okocha was a midfielder, the youngster disclosed that the passion he saw in ‘Jay Jay’ motivated him to think big for Nigerian football.
He added in a chat with sports247.ng that his love for the round leather game developed from an early age, and he wants to use it in helping Nigeria reclaim its place of pride in global football.
Solanke revealed, “Since I was little, football has always been my passion.
“Everyday, I love watching greats of football display their talents and play their best. Watching them inspires me to be like them.
“I want to play professional football, and I am working hard towards achieving my goal.”
He then spoke about a myriad of players whose successes motivate him, but quickly interjected that he prefers to pick Okocha top of the lot, since he is a fellow Nigerian.
“There are a lot of players in the world that I like to look at and follow their style. Those who stand out for me are Neymar, Ronaldo and Messi.
“However, as a Nigerian, and as someone who wants to take football to the next level for this country, I look up to Jay Jay Okocha.
“That’s why I devote so much attention to training. For me, training everyday is what I like doing most.
“I do take time out to rest everyday, but I always put in constant work in training, and I practise hard in order to achieve my goals,” Solanke stressed.
