The skilled, aggressive and gallant striker of Ikorodu City Football Club in Lagos, Paul Odunayo Aderibigbe known as “Beast Among Men” shared the story of his journey in the beautiful game and emphasized football as a most important thing in his life.
He’s a native of Ekite, born in Lagos and grew up in Ijoko, Ogun State. He disclosed this during an interview with Latest City News reporter Michael Odetunde on Friday, April 12, 2024.
“The journey, it starts when I was growing up in Ijoko, Ogun State, Nigeria. After school, I have a grassroots team, I trained with in my local town. I love playing football with my friends in my local club. ” He revealed.
Aderibigbe who started his football career from primary school with a grassroots team Lion-Stars FC in Ijoko as a midfielder, highlighted that, It’s been a challenge being a footballer as he got no supports from her mother financially but very supportive in prayers.
Regarding his move to the City of Lagos through, Mr Olumide Ajibolade took him from a local town Ijoko to join a football club in Lagos where he was working as a head coach, said he was excited for having that huge opportunity to move into the City but the challenge he had was that her mother wasn’t happy about the move because she wanted a different thing for him.
He also said, he was confused at that time because her mother declined but later convinced her where she later allowed him to follow his dreams and passion for football.
He also shared his difficult childhood as his father died when he was young, which made him to help her mother to hustle selling on the streets in other to make ends meat.
Aderibigbe noted that, he was blessed to have someone who looked up to as a father, Mr Olumide Ajibolade who has been there and supportive.
He praised Dannaz Football Club, Ikeja, the club he joined on September 8, 2022 before joining Ikorodu City FC and Mr Olumide Ajibolade for helping and giving him a chance in discovering himself, getting his career back and to showcase his worth, using the club as stepping stone as a footballer when the trials in Portugal didn’t workout.
And also extended his praised to Mr Danny, who has been supportive from onset and to this moments.
While speaking on the victory of Ikorodu City in the final of the Lagos State Federation Cup, noted that he was very happy and proud of the team for the energy they put in the encounter, stressing that it wasn’t easy but was very impressed with the hard work the team showed which gave them an edge over Inter Lagos in the final.
He also described Inter Lagos as a tough team to play against any time any day.
Aderibigbe a strong right footed striker, also reiterated that, he was proud of the team lifting the trophy, saying it was a happy moments being the champions of Lagos State FA Cup.
He also noted that, when he was a kid his thought is to play for Liverpool which is his favorite club, affirming that it will be a dream playing for a top club like Liverpool in Europe.
He said one of his memorable moments as a footballer was when he traveled outside of the country on 8th November, 2020 to Lisbon in Portugal for trials at Victoria Sporting Clube U19, and Boavista U19.
which was not later materialised as it was planned due to COVID-19 pandemic.
The center forward who hails from Ekite, described Ikorodu City as a beautiful family club full of enthusiasm, respect and love with good atmospheric conditions from the owners, general manager, team manager, head coach and the teammates.
He avowed Samuel Eto’s as his role model he looks up to due to his style of play and also Cristiano Ronaldo whom he always watched them to improve his game.
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