Goodness Ajayi, a talented Nigerian footballer, is making waves in Croatia’s second division with NK Opatija Football Club.
Despite playing in a lesser-known league, his dedication, adaptability, and skill have earned him a reputation as a fan favorite and a potential Super Eagles player.
Nigeria is blessed with gifted football players who could be found everywhere in the world. Most of their exploits in foreign lands are under reported because of where they play.
Indeed, some are as good as their counterparts in the more popular leagues in Europe, often watched on television every week by Nigerian football fans.
Ajayi’s work ethics, high level of adaptability and God-given skill make him the darling of his coach and teammates.
Due to his work rate and high performance level, the Nigerian forward nurses the ambition of finding himself in Nigeria jersey, playing for the Super Eagles very soon.
Ajayi’s journey into the world of football began at an early age. Ajayi started his career with Abuja Football Club, and his natural talent and dedication to the game caught he eye of coaches and scouts, which enabled him secure a move to Croatian club Rijeka in 2013, where he made his first professional appearance.
However, the talented Nigeria forward admitted in a chat with Journalists, that it hasn’t been all rosy.
He said, “When you play football professionally, each country presents a unique challenge,” adding, “adapting to different styles of play has been crucial—from Isreal to Romania, and now Croatia. I’m grateful for leaving my mark everywhere I’ve played.”
The forward said his adventure into the unknown has taught him a lot of lessons and each time he reflects on his past, to where he finds himself today, it gives him a lot of inspiration and urge to do more.
“Football is ingrained in our culture. Growing up, I played on streets, sandy fields, anywhere there was space. Looking back, it was all worth it. Becoming a footballer isn’t easy.
There were trials, sacrifices, days I couldn’t afford to train. It was tough.” And, in his words, “that has toughened me and prepared me for today and my future.”
Ajayi is not oblivious of the competition for shirts in Super Eagles, especially, with the avalanche of foreign based talents.
However, trusting in his ability, he said, “life itself is a competition. I am aware of the abundant talents in the national team. I am ready to learn and prove my worth when the opportunity comes. But I can’t wait for the opportunity to contribute my little quota to our great country.”
His only worry is that national team selectors limit their search for good players of Nigerian extraction to European leagues in the false belief that other leagues outside of Europe are not good enough.
He spoke glowingly about the Croatian League which he described as “highly competitive”, due to the influx of notable players from Europe, Asia and Africa.
“The Croatian league is fiercely competitive. Clubs here compete aggressively, attracting talent from Europe and beyond,” he elaborated.
Speaking about his team NK Opatija, and their ambition for the season, Ajayi expressed the minds of his teammates and the club’s overall target; which is to gain promotion to the Croatian Super League “NK Opatija FC has a rich tradition, and we’re aiming high this season. I’m committed to contributing as much as I can.”