Sadeeq Umar, popularly known as “Mane” is a young vibrant player whose star is shining in the Kano Amateur League. He recently set a new record when he scored 10 goals in 10 matches while making six assists for his Kano based Amateur 1 club, SBS Waliyya.

Speaking to Daily Trust, the immensely talented youngster attributed his goal scoring prowess to hard work, dedication and discipline.

Like other talented Nigerian players, Sadeeq revealed that he started his football career in the street in the neighborhood from where he joined Togo FC of Brigade Quarters in Kano.

From FC Togo he took his goal scoring boots to Legend FC where his outstanding performances in front of goal during the Nasarawa Local Government Chairman’s Cup Competition caught the attention of SBS Waliyya FC.

Interestingly, Sadeeq’s extraordinary performance in the recently concluded Kano State Amateur 1 League earned him the Highest Goal Scorer and the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards.

When explaining how he was able to score 10 goals in 10 matches, Sadeeq Mane said, “I played 10 matches and scored 10 goals. I scored these goals in 8 matches out of the 10 matches I played, which means that I only failed to score in two games.”

He hinged his excellent goal scoring record on the extra-work he does during training and in matches. “I believe that if you want to achieve something in life, you have to go the extra-mile.

“So, I work hard. I mean apart from the normal training I receive from my coaches, every day I do extra training to make sure I am fit.”

“That is the reason I don’t get tired during the games. And that is also the reason I am nicknamed Mane after the former Liverpool and Senegalese star.

“Some people compare my playing style with that of the talismanic Senegalese attacker whose partnership with Mo Salah in Liverpool was a nightmare for opposing defenders. In fact, some people even go a step further by saying I resemble Sadio Mane.”

Like many players of his generation, his ultimate plan is to play professional football in Europe. He believes playing for some of the top European clubs will open the door to the Super Eagles for him.

“I am feeling it in my mind that one day I will play in Europe for big teams like Chelsea, Liverpool and FC Barcelona.

“My ultimate dream is to play for the Super Eagles but I have to start from somewhere. I am 16 years old, so I can start with the Golden Eaglets,” said the Kano State born football prodigy.

However, unlike other youngsters who are eager to move to Europe, Sadeeq, said he is ready to hone his skills in his home club Kano Pillars in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

“It is true I have my eyes on professional football in Europe but I am hoping that one day Kano Pillars will give me the opportunity to start my professional career in the Nigerian topflight.

“You know I have loved Kano Pillars since I was small. Apart from that I am an indigene of Kano State, so I will be proud to play for Kano Pillars before moving abroad.

For now, it is not a bed of roses for the ambitious young talent as lack of access to reputable and highly connected football agents and scouts is a major challenge.

This is one of the many hurdles before young football players in northern Nigeria. “You know there are many young talented players like me here in Kano, unfortunately we don’t have contact with international football agents.

“This is one of the biggest problems hindering our development. But some of us are determined to overcome this big challenge that continues to stare us in the face,” he said. (Daily Trust)