Daniel Aiyenugba is the son of one of the long servings goal keeper in Nigerian Professional Football League, NPFL Dele Aiyenugba who currently plies his trade in Kwara United. In an interview with the world developmental sports website sportxvibe.com.ng, he disclosed reasons why he does not desire to play his professional career in Nigeria.
How do you start your football career?
I started my football career as a striker but when I saw my dad keeping so he inspired me to start to become a goal keeper, although, at first, he does not want me to become a goal keeper because the work is not easy like that but when he was Israel, my uncle used to train me every day, so when he discovered that I can become a good goal keeper, then he helped me convince my dad, so then my dad said I can go on with it.
You said your dad did not want you to become a goal keeper at first, did he(dad) tell straight to your face or how?
No, he didn’t but from his reaction and body language were so loud that he wants to play another role apart from goalkeeping.
So why did you insisted to become a goal keeper?
I just love being a goal keeper.
What have been your experiences as a goal keeper?
I started my goalkeeping career with Future Stars Fc, from there, I went Kwara State Football Academy where I participated in the second edition of RAMAT Cup where I emerged as the best goal keeper and also I have featured in the Nigerian Professional Football League, NPFL LA LIGA U-15 Youth League, three times; in the first edition, we finished as the second position, the following edition, we were knocked out at the quarter-finals and this just concluded one held at Ikenne, Ogun state, we were unable to qualify into the knock out stage.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
I see myself in a good place playing good football. I aspire to play in the national team but I don’t want to play in Nigeria here, I want to play abroad.
But your dad is with Kwara United, why don’t want to play in Nigeria?
No, I don’t know, I don’t just want to play in Nigeria, the treatment here is not that good while the treatment outside is better.
Who bought your first glove for you?
My uncle bought my first glove for me while my dad bought my first training kits for me.
Do you use to your dad glove to keep?
Yes.
You do feel it is easy to get into your desired future without challenges knowing that your dad plays football?
There are so many challenges. It is not that easy being a goal keeper, it is very hard but my dad and uncle being with them, they will help be a great goal keeper.
So, you have played NPFL LA LIGA U-15 Youth League three times, how is it impacted you?
It has impacted a lot to me, I have gained experience in goalkeeping in area of knowing what do in time.