A startling story is unfolding at Heart Of Lions Football Academy in the Igando area of Lagos, where a young defender, Sulaiman Bakare loves wearing jersey number 10, Sports247 reports.
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Young Bakare’s story reflects memories of the days of Williams Gallas at Arsenal of England, but this youngster is not a centre back like the French star.
While Gallas captained Arsenal and played from central defence, Bakare is a right-back who is also skipper of Hearts Of Lions FA’s junior team.
He told Sports247 during a chat at the academy’s training ground inside Local Government Primary School, off Church Bus Stop, Igando-Ikotun Road, that he fell in love with jersey number 10 because it’s the one that many star players wear.
Bakare, who is currently a JS2 student at Socrates Secondary School in Ologunfe area of Igando, thanked his coach for allowing him wear the team’s number 10 jersey, though he is a defender.
“I thank Coach Afeez Oladimeji for encouraging me in many areas and for helping me all the time. He chose me as captain of the junior team since 2023 because he said I am consistent and hardworking.
“I also thank my mummy and daddy for how they are encouraging me to play football. I am the first born in my family. That means I have to be very serious, and I want to make them proud,” Bakare declared.
