Great Olympic Football Academy center-forward Adedeji Timilehin has stated his desire to compete at the highest level and has cited Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo as an inspiration.
Sports247.ng had a one-on-one session with Timilehin following a successful scouting program match which his team won. The youngster began by discussing his performance in the game. He said:
“Today we had a good game. We won 3-1. I could have done better in terms of goal output, like converting my chances but I created a goal and I worked hard for the team in defending. So we had a good game altogether and we had a win and that’s the most important thing.”
Timilehin, who is 6 feet 2 inches tall, acknowledges that his build gives him an advantage since it allows him to win aerial duels and impacts his hold-up play. He also admits that he needs to improve his strength and acceleration.
Like many young players in Nigeria, Timilehin aspires to play professionally abroad. But he says it’s a step-by-step process.
“Obviously to play abroad and improve in my game, that’s the most important thing for me. It’s step by step. You can’t get there immediately but I’m still in progress and the aim is to keep progressing. I’m aiming for the top, obviously, to play in Europe and go the furthest I can go.”
On who he models his game on, Timilehin said: “I have many players that I admire but altogether it boils down to Cristiano Ronaldo because of his work ethic and given he has the endurance to keep on playing till the age of 37 now. That’s the model I look to go after. To keep on working and push myself to the limit.”
