36 Lion forward Shodipe Abdulateef Olasunkanmi emphatically announced himself at the ongoing Femmco Football Championship August Camping 2026, scoring a hat-trick in his side’s remarkable 8-0 victory over Jagunmolu FA in the U-17 category at the NUD Playing Ground, Olose, Ifo, Ogun State.
The young striker was one of the standout performers in an overwhelming attacking display by 36 Lion, finding the net three times as his team recorded one of the biggest victories of the tournament.
Speaking exclusively to Sports247 after the match, Abdulateef attributed his impressive performance to discipline, hard work and the demanding training programme at 36 Lion.
“I trained hard to perform well in the match. During training, I do not joke with my training. I have discipline during training and my coach trains us hard,” he said.
The youngster’s comments highlight the importance of preparation behind his three-goal performance. While the emphatic victory may have appeared effortless from the outside, Abdulateef believes the result was a reward for the team’s commitment during training sessions.
With the championship still ongoing, the striker is already looking ahead to the next challenge and has called on his teammates to maintain their momentum.
“In the next game, we are praying for more wins and goals going forward,” he told Sports247.
Beyond the Femmco Championship, Abdulateef has his eyes firmly set on representing Nigeria at youth international level. The young striker was asked how he would feel if his performances earned him an opportunity with either the Golden Eaglets or Flying Eagles.
His response reflected both ambition and the importance he places on his family and football development.
“I would feel very amazing and happy, to have made my family, teammates and coach proud,” he said.
When asked about his biggest inspiration in the striker’s position, Abdulateef immediately named Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
For the 36 Lion youngster, Ronaldo represents more than goals and trophies. His discipline and relentless work ethic are the qualities Abdulateef wants to replicate in his own career.
“He is very disciplined and hardworking,” Abdulateef explained.
With three goals already added to his tournament account, Abdulateef has made a powerful statement at the Femmco U-17 Championship.
The next challenge is to maintain the same hunger, discipline and consistency that produced his hat-trick, and perhaps turn his grassroots breakthrough into a pathway towards the Nigeria U-17 national team.
