The President of Liberia, George Opong Weah, remains the only African footballer to have won the Balon D’or or FIFA Player of the Year. That feat was achieved in 1995 and that’s 14 years before the birth of this young football prodigy.
And yes, this young lad is confident he can bring the coveted honour to Nigeria and Africa.
Patrick Adeoluwanimi Akhidenor-Solanke fondly called ‘NIMI’, who just turned 14 years in August, presently plays with the first team of Ogun State-based NLO 1 side, Olumo United, a team he joined at age eleven.
Speaking on the journey of Nimi in football, his father and founder of Football Academy Provazios, Segun Solanke revealed that he enrolled him into the academy at the age of four years, and since then, Nimi’s young career has been enjoying tremendous growth and progress.
Nimi who was one of the most exciting football kids in Lagos with a large followership, has taken his unbelievable football skills and goals scoring prowess to Ogun State and he has quickly, converted many football fans to his growing fan base.
A wise young head, Nimi understands the importance of education in his growth. Giving it a sweet mix, he has also been winning academic laurels due to his brilliance in school.
The young striker wears jersey number 55, and plays the number nine position. Disclosed that he adores Lionel Messi for his uncommon skills to outwit opponents, Neymar Jr, for his brilliance and flair, and of course, Cristiano Ronaldo for his strength, pace, discipline and hard work.
” I love Ronaldo, Messi and Neymar. And like Ronaldo and Messi, I want to win the Balon d’Or. My dad told me George Weah of Liberia is the only African footballer to have won the Balon D’or.
“Like my idols Messi and Ronaldo, I believe that with more hard work, discipline, perseverance, dedication and focus, I can bring home the honour in the near future,” Nimi boasts confidently.
Solanke said, ” Nimi’s strengths are his ability to use both legs, his set pieces techniques and unbelievable goals scoring ability.”
“Therefore, we decided to register him to play in the league as we believe it’s the right exposure and experience for him to build on. As he pursues his career in football, he aims to be a world star in the game in the nearest future.”
“In the next 5 years, we believe he would have become the youngest Nigerian to play for the Super Eagles and be playing in one of the top-flight leagues worldwide. And particularly, playing for Real Madrid, as the wonder boy from Nigeria,” he added conclusively.
