By GBOLAHAN DADA
The fans of Asarums IF FK in Sweden believe that Nigeria prodigy, Odunayo Ayonuga, deserved to play in a bigger club to showcase his skills to the world and possibly get a chance to represent his country in any future international engagements.
Ever since the Nigerian arrived Sweden his name has become a house hold name and he is now resting on his oars to make the best of his career in Europe.
Considering how the like of Portuguese star, Cristiano Ronaldo, Argentine forward, Lionel Messi and English player, Wayne Rooney hit the limelight as teenagers , Ayonuga, is striving to make hay while the sun shines.
With other two Nigerians, Chinedu Madueke and Christian Akannoh in his Swedish club, Ayonuga is determined to maintain his status as the club leading striker until another glorious doors open for him to move ahead in Europe.
In a WhatsApp chat recently, he said he would be delighted to see himself in the national team after he had impressed top European managers.
“My dreams in football has always been to play at the top clubs in the world and to play in the national team and there are few players that inspire me but apart from that, football has always been something I love playing since when I was younger,”he said.
Odunayo Ayonuga
When asked to mention some of the players he is looking up to as role models, he said: “I love Brazilian Ronaldo, Cristiano, Nigeria’s Austin Jay Jay Okocha, Ronaldinho of Brazil and Kanu Nwankwo, popularly known as Papilo”.
According to him, he may not necessary imitate the players style of play, but he would try and play up his game for the world to know him also as an established players.
Speaking about the challenges he faced recently in Nigeria, he said: I think Nigerian football is more tasking unlike in Europe. Nigerian players without techniques cannot succeed in Europe. In Nigeria, you need to be physically fit to play but above all, my prayer is to make it big in Europe because I have a lot of people banking on my career.”
