Playing at any level for Nigeria would bring me pride – Daniel ‘Ziko’ Ufele
By Saheed Afolabi
Skilful, inspiring, talented, special, Daniel ‘Ziko’ Ufele’s raw talent and intelligence on the ball are the special qualities wing wizards like Marc Overmars, Emmanuel Amuneke and Eden Hazard are blessed with.
Very few players have started off as teenage sensations and continued in brilliant form through much of their young career. Daniel Ufele’s talent can be unarguably described as one that would continue to flourish with lot of potentials to harness.
A kid who came from a very rich footballing background and learned the trade of football from the famous FC Barcelona of Spain Academy. His Uncle Ernest Ufele, was a former Ex Rangers Football Club of Enugu player, who also had a stint with the Super Eagles and his Dad was a very good footballer during his days. Daniel was quick to cling to the advice of Instructor, teachers and his parents, especially when it comes to sporting achievements.
At just 19, Daniel Ufele is already doing wonders at his club, the prestigious STK 1914 Samorin in Slovakia and is already thinking big of playing for some of the biggest football teams in the nearest future.
The British born Nigerian player heads into the summer, hoping to get a call up into the Nigeria National U-20 team, the Flying Eagles as they prepare for the WAFU U-20 Championship in May and believes he has alot to offer his country, Nigeria, when called upon to dorn the green and white Nigerian colours.
“Every Kid will always dream to represent their Country. Football is something I am so passionate about it. He said.
“I will be so proud and honoured to play for the Flying Eagles. Playing at any level for Nigeria would bring me pride, and I believe in myself enough to know that I can bring some fire and zeal to the National U-20 side.
“My immediate ambition in the squad would be to qualify Nigeria for the U-20 AFCON and also the FIFA World Cup in Indonesia next year.
The talented youngster also admitted that his inspiration to be one of the best wing operator comes from RealMadrid and Ex-Chelsea Star, Eden Hazard, who he claims he learnt alot from, while watching as a very young kid.
“Alot of people say I play just like Eden Hazard, but the truth is that, I play just like myself. I have always been a huge admirer of the former Chelsea midfielder and learnt a lot, watching him on television. I know I share great similarities with him, his flair, the way he dribbles and his good control of the ball. Another player that inspires me is the great Nigeria Legend, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha and Napoli Star, Victor Osimhen, because of his high work rate on the pitch. He Concluded.
Ziko has great technique, incredible off-ball movement, the youngster is also very good with his right. He is unpredictable, explosive and fast, which are the major characteristics of a great forward.
