18-year-old defensive midfielder who’s at present making waves at SC Heerenveen within the Dutch Eredivisie, Isaiah Ahmed, has expressed his robust need to characterize Nigeria on the worldwide stage, Soccernet.ng stories.
Born to Nigerian mother and father, Ahmed has all the time felt a deep connection to his roots, and his ambition to play for the Nigeria U20 crew displays his dedication to contributing to the soccer legacy of the nation.
At the moment taking part in below the administration of former Arsenal and Manchester United ahead Robin van Persie, Ahmed made his debut towards NAC Breda, approaching within the 82nd minute to interchange Illias Sebaoui.
“Not too long ago, I made my debut on the highest stage of Dutch soccer below my coach, Robin van Persie. It has all the time been my dream to characterize Nigeria, and I’m desperate to have the chance to play for the Nigeria U-20 crew,” Kenzel advised Soccernet.ng.
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Below the mentorship of the previous Dutch worldwide, Ahmed has quickly developed his abilities and grown in confidence.
“Enjoying below Robin van Persie has been an unimaginable expertise. As a former world-class striker, he brings a lot data and perception to the sport. Studying from somebody together with his expertise has helped me develop as a participant, each technically and mentally. His ardour for the game is contagious, and he’s taught me to all the time attempt for excellence and keep centered on my targets,” he stated.
Ahmed’s admiration for the Nigerian nationwide crew and their stars drives his ambition to put on the inexperienced and white jersey.
His position fashions embrace former Chelsea participant John Obi Mikel and the present captain of the Tremendous Eagles, William Troost-Ekong, who’ve impressed him with their management on the pitch.
“My all-time idol is John Obi Mikel as a result of he performs the identical positions as I do, and his qualities align with the kind of participant I’m. My present idol is William Troost-Ekong as a result of, like me, he grew up within the Netherlands and finally selected to play for Nigeria. I actually admire the best way he leads the crew; he’s a real chief,” Ahmed famous.
For Ahmed, soccer is greater than only a sport—it’s a lifelong ardour. “My best ardour for soccer began from a really younger age, virtually as quickly as I may stroll. I started taking part in with a ball, and ever since then, my love for the sport has solely continued to develop,” he defined.
When requested about his favorite jersey quantity, Ahmed shared his connection to the quantity six, which displays his place on the sphere and his admiration for Paul Pogba.
“My favorite jersey quantity is six as a result of I play within the quantity six place on the sphere. Moreover, Paul Pogba is certainly one of my idols, and when he performed for Juventus, I all the time watched his clips on YouTube; he additionally wore the quantity six at the moment,” he stated.
Off the pitch, Ahmed’s Nigerian identification extends to his love for Afrobeats, a style that retains him related to residence. “I take heed to lots of Nigerian music and completely love Afrobeats. I additionally grew up with it, listening to artists like Burna Boy, P-Sq., Davido, and Asake. A couple of weeks in the past, I went to a Davido live performance in Amsterdam,” he revealed.
Ahmed’s concentrate on representing Nigeria displays his deep connection to his heritage, very similar to Troost-Ekong, Ademola Lookman, and Ola Aina, who all switched allegiance to honour their roots.
Ayomide Oguntimehin
Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports activities journalist and Editor at Soccernet.ng, with a confirmed monitor document in conducting interviews with Tremendous Eagles stars similar to William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Vibrant Osayi-Samuel, Ademola Lookman, and lots of others. He has additionally made a major influence in breaking switch information tales.
Grounded in video enhancing, video journalism, social media administration, and content material technique, Ayomide brings a wealth of experience to his work.