Nigerian U17 women’s national team defender Jumai Adebayo has named Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk as her role model ahead of the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup opener. Adebayo, who played a crucial role as a centre back in the Flamingos’ qualification campaign, will be looking to bring the same level of defensive strength as they take on New Zealand at the Cibao Stadium.
Nigeria’s Flamingos, who secured a historic third place finish in the tournament’s last edition, now aim to claim the top spot. Adebayo’s inspiration from Van Dijk signals her ambition and determination to lead Nigeria to victory on the global stage.
Editorial
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Jumai Adebayo’s choice of Virgil van Dijk as her role model illustrates the aspirational nature of Nigerian youth football. Her admiration for Van Dijk’s calm and composed style reflects a desire to approach football with discipline and confidence. As the Flamingos head into the U17 Women’s World Cup, Adebayo’s dedication to her craft and her commitment to learning from world class players like Van Dijk is inspiring. Her perspective not only enriches her game but also brings a level of maturity and vision that could lead Nigeria to unprecedented heights in this tournament.
Adebayo, known for her composure and defensive awareness, admired Van Dijk’s confidence and poise on the field, qualities she hopes to emulate. Van Dijk, because he is confident. I like his confidence, she shared with NFF TV. Van Dijk’s influence has helped Liverpool achieve significant success, and he is widely regarded as one of the world’s top defenders.
Players like Adebayo embody the promising future of Nigerian women’s football, combining skill with the mental attributes needed to succeed. It’s an exciting time for the Flamingos, and fans will eagerly watch to see if her Van Dijk inspired defence can help lead Nigeria to victory.
Did You Know?
- Virgil van Dijk became the first defender to win UEFA Men’s Player of the Year in 2019.
- The Flamingos’ best finish in the U17 Women’s World Cup was third place in 2022.
- Adebayo’s admiration for Van Dijk is shared by many young defenders, as he’s seen as a model of modern defensive play.
- The FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup serves as a platform for future women’s football stars globally.
- Nigeria has consistently qualified for the U17 Women’s World Cup, showcasing its strength in youth development.
