One player that has caught the attention of the fans and the media in the ongoing 7th edition of Adamu Yola Gombe South Unity Cup is Danladi Baka.
Danladi Baka plays for Komta United FC of Billiri Local Government and has sent his team to the final of the competition.
In the semifinal match played, Danladi Baka gave a man-of-the-match performance, when he scored a brace and had an assist. His gutsy performance was able to see his team beat Highlanders FC Ture 3-2 to have a date with Kaltungo Boys in the final.
Watching Danladi play will remind you of Super Eagles player, Odion Jude Ighalo. His hold-up play, his work rate, and his commitment will make one wonder if he was a professional footballer or played in the league before.
To our greatest surprise, we are informed that Danladi has not played in any league professionally.
Danladi Baka has so far scored 3 goals to make him the joint-leading goal scorer from the round of 16.
His unique goal-scoring celebration is another unique feature of Danladi. Anytime he scores, he runs to the corner flag and holds it like a walking stick with his other hand on his waist.
For followers of the Premier League, you would recall Samuel Eto’s celebration when he was playing for Chelsea when his then coach Jose Mourinho told him he was “old”.
When the media caught up with Danladi after his performance yesterday against Highlanders FC Ture, he said, “The reason behind my celebration is that some people are saying that I am old, they say I cannot play anymore. So that’s why I celebrate like Samuel Eto did when he scored for Chelsea in a match against Tottenham in the Premier League”.
On how he thinks Komta United can win the final against Kaltungo Boys, “It has not been easy to get to the final of the 7th edition of Adamu Yola Unity Cup and for us to take the trophy home, we must play as a team. We must work for each other and together if we want to win”, he said.
Danladi had good words for the organizers, “For the organizers of Adamu Yola, I must say they have been superb. I must commend the sponsor and I hope he continues for as long as God gives him the strength.
“In Gombe state, I have never seen a well-organized competition like this and I must give kudos to the organizing committee”, he enthused.
