By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) has discovered a rising young talented footballer, Badejo Deborah Oluwafunmilayo, who plays like Lionel Messi, as a future sports reporter and player for the Nigeria women’s national football team.
Deborah, who was seen displaying her skilful dribbling; accurate passing of football among her contemporaries when her class played against the Higher National Diploma One, told our reporter that she had loved playing football right from her childhood.
The talented student, who has just been matriculated to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, is the right winger for the National Diploma One.
She said, “ I can manage both journalism and footballing by using my free time in training myself; going for training with others and most importantly having a coach. Moreover, I will concentrate on my studies while in school and always review my studies after returning from football training.”
She emphasized by saying that Lionel Messi has always been her favourite player and role model, adding she has the determination to be greater than Messi.
“I love my teammates because we have always played with passion and teamwork and cooperation,” she said.
The National Diploma One beat the Higher National Diploma One by 2-0 at the ongoing Interclass sports competitions and the two goals were scored with assistance from Deborah.
Deborah was one of the 229 new students that attended the NIJ’s 20th matriculation ceremony which was held on the campus on Friday, 17 February 2023.
