Spartanii Selemet of Moldova midfielder Ganiu Olaniyan has revealed to ScoreNigeria.com.ng that he ran away from home in Ilorin against his parents’ wish so as to pursue a football career in Lagos.
The 19-year-old midfielder, who was key to his team’s best finish ever in history, said he hope to achieve greatness at bigger club levels and the national team.
He talks about his experience thus far.
SCORENigeria: How was it moving from grassroots football in Nigeria direct to Europe?
Olaniyan: Moving to Europe from grassroots was very hard for me.
How was your adaptation?
When I arrived here, I thought it is going to be easy but it was not. Firstly, I have to cope with the weather, imagine me coming directly from Nigeria and playing inside snow for the first time, it was crazy.
How did your team performed in the season?
It was a better performance. It’s the first time the team did not go relegation or battle to survive in the league, we finished in sixth position.
Who is your role model and why?
That is Bruno Fernandes because he’s always shooting from outside the box and he’s everywhere on the pitch.
Why did you choose to play football?
I follow my heart because it’s something I love to do every minutes.
Did your parents support you to play football?
My parents didn’t support me to play football, all they want me to do is to go school and become an Imam after such career.
Since they didn’t support your choice to play football, how did you do it?
I left home in Kwara State and I moved to Lagos State to continue with my career. I was discovered at Obasa Cup.
What are your set targets at your club?
We did better than they do, my aspiration is to help my club to move forward and achieve more.
Name your favourite club.
That’s Real Madrid. I love this club a lot and will be on top of the world.
What are your ambitions as a football player?
I have some desire as a footballer, I want to become a great player. I want to satisfy my passion that I have feelings for, football and I really love football. I want to become a solution to all problems as far as they game is concerned at my club and country.
I come from poor background so I want to be a better person to let my family great. To help my family. I also wish to represent Nigeria.
How easy was it to adapt and cope in Moldova?
It was not easy as a black man in Europe, majorly the weather and culture differences but i help myself because i don’t listen to anyone that want to derail or distract me. I only listen to coach and team captain. They both helped me a lot.
