A highly promising central defender at Arewa Warriors FC of Ile Epo, Lagos, Samuel Ibeanusi has revealed how he gains inspiration from watching Liverpool captain, Virgil van Dijk in action for the EPL club and his country, Netherlands.
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However, Sports247 reports that, while the lad from Orlu in Imo State loves the style of Van Dijk and what the staunch stopper has achieved, he would rather love to feature for FC Barcelona of Spain in the future.
Ibeanusi, who will be in action for Arewa Warriors this Thursday in the semi-finals of Seamoriow U15 Football Competition at Islamic Field, Ikotun, Lagos, said he likes Van Dijk but does not support Liverpool.
The team he supports is Barcelona, and the hard-to-beat stopper, who is also captain of his club, would love to play for The Catalans sometime in the future.
That, though, is in contrast with his mother, who he disclosed supports Chelsea of England with a passion, while also encouraging him to take his football development very seriously.
“My mum is my number motivator in football,” said Ibeanusi, who was born in Agege area of Lagos. “She likes Chelsea while I support Barca, but that does not cause any conflict between us.
“I am also grateful to my coach, Ishola Olorunfemi for how he is helping me to grow in football. I’ve been training with his team at Temidire Field since 2024 and I’ve learnt a lot since then.”
Sports247 reports further that Ibeanusi was voted man of the match on Tuesday, when his side defeated Dazzle FC of Surulere via penalties in the quarter-finals and he hopes to do even better this Thursday versus Pumah FC of Akowonjo.






