A youngster based in Ajangbadi area of Lagos, Michael Ajao has revealed the tough terrain he is passing through as an aspiring footballer, with strong hope of combining his involvement in the game with giant strides in education.
The petit midfielder, who currently features for Santana Boys FC under the charge of Coach Iyke Anyaji, told Sports247 in an exclusive interview that he had to support his mother with hawking plantain in order to pay his school fees.
Ajao, who hails from Oyo State, thanked his mum for going the extra mile to ensure he went through a formal education and paid high fees for him from primary to secondary level at Avice Private School, Ilogbo.
He added that his plan in life is to play football up to professional level, help his mother expand her trade and get a degree from any higher institution that would allow him combine his studies with regular activities in the round leather game.
“It has not been easy, but I thank God for how he has kept me going up till now,” said Ajao. “I started playing for Coach Iyke when I was small and I thank him for helping me come this far. He has been like a father to me.
“I also thank my mum for her support, especially when I was in school. I used to hawk plantain at that time, but she has now told me to concentrate fully on football. So, I want to be a star player so that I can reward her.
“I want to be like Pedri of Barcelona and Alex Iwobi of Nigeria. I also want to return to school and get a certificate in Physical Education, so that I will have something to count on after I retire from football.”
Sports247 reports further that Ajao, who plays as a defensive midfielder and loves jersey number four, is eagerly looking forward to getting a philanthropist who would support him to achieve his aspirations and sponsor his education
