U-17 World Cup-winning goalkeeper, Dele Ajiboye, talks about his life off the pitch, household and extra on this interview with EBENEZER BAJELA
The NPFL season is over. How have you ever been stress-free?
I take heed to a whole lot of music, it’s my primary technique of stress-free as a result of that’s what helps me to calm my nerves. Even after I can’t sleep I simply activate the music to assist me focus and earlier than I realise what’s taking place I might have dozed off. I don’t assume there may be any higher option to chill out than listening to music.
What’s your favorite type of music?
It relies on my temper which I’m certain might be the identical with many individuals too. However usually I wish to take heed to hip hop. I additionally wish to take heed to Yoruba artistes like Pasuma, Wasiu Ayinde and the remaining. As soon as I connect an earpiece to my telephone and take heed to music, it’s like I’m in one other realm.
Are you a foodie?
I don’t see myself as a foodie as a result of I don’t eat that a lot. There are days I come again from coaching and don’t take something till midday. It might be as soon as in a day or twice however after I wish to eat, I wish to eat effectively and take good meals.
What’s your favorite meals?
I like rice and plantain in addition to pounded yam.
Do you regard your self as a fashionista?
I’m nowhere close to that as a result of I like to decorate easy, besides when I’ve a giant event to attend. I’m not so eager on placing on flashy stuff that will get me seen simply. I wish to look neat and maintain it easy.
Does that imply you don’t have a favorite designer?
In fact, I do and I bear in mind after I was in Spain, I preferred to put on Zara merchandise. My sneakers, denims are all designed by Zara.
What’s your favorite automobile?
I like Toyota and Mercedes Benz, however I believe my favorite is Toyota. Nevertheless, if somebody needs to reward me a automobile and ask me to select from Bugatti, Rolls Royce, and Bentley I’ll undoubtedly go for Rolls Royce.
Footballers are recognized for his or her flamboyant life-style however you wish to maintain it easy. Does this need to do with cash?
Former Tremendous Eagles captain Mikel Obi must be among the many prime three richest footballers in Africa however take a look at the best way he attire; he likes to maintain it easy. I don’t assume I’ve seen him flaunt Gucci and the likes. Dressing in a easy method like that doesn’t imply you don’t have cash. However once you get near him you see his pores and skin glowing and I believe I take a cue from him. For me, dressing is all about wanting good and maintaining it easy
You might be fortunately married with youngsters. How have you ever been in a position to mix soccer and household life?
It has not been straightforward in any respect. So, I wish to give kudos to my spouse as a result of she understands the type of work I’m into and I respect her for that. There have been instances we didn’t get to see for eight or 10 months and solely needed to talk on telephone, however she by no means complained. It isn’t a simple factor I need to confess. All of my profession in Nigeria, I’ve performed within the north, which is about 13 hours drive from Ibadan. I bear in mind my first season in Plateau United, she would come round; it was the identical factor after I was in Nasarawa United.
The place and the way did you meet your spouse?
Candidly talking, I by no means knew we stayed in the identical space in Ibadan till we met within the mosque one Friday for Ju’mat prayer and I began operating after her. She ignored my proposal for some time till 2011 when she was doing her IT at NCC.
How lengthy did it take so that you can persuade her that you’re the person of her dream?
At first, she wasn’t even listening to me and even speaking to me. However thank God she later did and she or he mentioned we may solely be associates however it took me about 4 months to persuade her. I used to be very affected person as a result of you recognize once you want one thing good it’s important to train a whole lot of persistence.
How did it really feel changing into a father for the primary time?
It felt so nice; there isn’t a phrase to explain the sensation as a result of I bear in mind after we had our first son, I used to be with Plateau and we had a match towards Lobi Stars. Although I already missed the sport by means of suspension earlier than I learnt that my spouse was in labour. The workforce determined that I sit with them as a result of they didn’t need me alone at house and anxious. Although I used to be on the stadium watching the sport, my thoughts wasn’t there in any respect and I stored calling once in a while till I used to be instructed that she had been delivered of the newborn. That was after I was at peace once more.
How do you cope with your feminine followers?
I allow them to know that I’m a married man and my spouse additionally understands after I obtain calls from feminine associates. She is aware of I’m a star and she or he doesn’t should be jealous. I speak to feminine associates the best way I relate with my male associates, not that I’ve to excuse myself from my spouse earlier than receiving calls.
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