” It has always been Football for me ” Nigerian Midfielder Ndifreke John reveals.
Celebrating birthday’s and other special days while on Football engagements is one thing Footballers are used to.
For Ibom Youths Fc Midfielder Ndifreke John, Thursday May 12th 2022 his birthday met him on a road trip to honour a league game vs Osun United.
In a chat with Sportsration the Midfielder bared his mind on his love for football , Fond Memories of his late parents and how he wasn’t bothered about having to spend his special day on the road because for him ” it has always been about Football “.
Ibom Youths Fc thrashed Osun United 3-0 in the first leg in April . Midfielder Ndifreke John was excused from the team for that match due to the demise of his beloved mother on the 15th of April 2022 less than 24hrs to the home game. He will be playing his first game since the unfortunate incident.
He shared fond memories of them urging him to kick the ball as a kid. ” My late parents told me I started kicking objects around as a kid. The love for this game was there even when I actually did not know what I was doing. So when I grew up, I embraced it and I’m growing better with it everyday “.
On having to spend his birthday on a road trip he said ” I had already prepared my mind on how I was going to have my birthday. But when news arrived that the Second stanza of the Nigerian National League season will begin this weekend , I smelled my plans will crumble . ”
” We have to start the second round with a game vs Osun United so I spent the whole of yesterday (his birthday) on the road. I gave myself a nice treat plus receiving the amazing wishes from my club, teammates, friends and family members. I truly appreciate everyone who reached out to me in one way or the other . ” He said
Nicknamed ‘ Aspire ‘ from his days at Greater Tomorrow Academy Uyo, the talented Midfielder aspires to play to the highest level in football like his role model Andreas Iniesta though he wants to achieve this at Arsenal or Liverpool.
Excellent on the ball with the skill and youthfulness to maraud opposition players and open up opportunities for his teammates to score goals, Ndifreke John has been one of the star performers in the Nigerian National League this season and contributed significantly to his teams 3rd place finish at the end of the first stanza.
When asked about his targets for Second stanza of the season, the Midfielder revealed he made a vow to the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Akwa Ibom State Sir Monday Uko at the start of the season.
” I promised the commissioner Ibom Youths Fc will get him the promotion ticket as a last card check. Everyday I step on the turf this promise keeps replaying on my mind and I’m happy we are in a good position to make it happen starting with Saturday’s game against Osun United in Ile Ife “.
His happiest moments in football is when he scores or assists a winning goals for his team like he did in the 2-1 win over Ikorodu United on Saturday 2nd April 2022.
” That feeling was special, I wish I can recreate same on Saturday 14th May 2022 as a birthday gift to myself. Football is all I know so if I must be happy then it will come with Winning matches.
Ndifreke John is on the wishlist of several clubs who have been impressed with his talent , work rate and commitment everytime he is on the field of play. The Midfielder is however calm about the advances as he remains focused on helping Ibom Youths Fc achieve it’s targets .
” I am Calm about my future. My concern is doing better everyday to help myself and the team . Whatever comes at the end of the season we will see but for now it’s my head fixed to the game on Saturday vs Osun United. He Concluded.
