The FIFA Under-17 World Cup has since its inception been a breeding ground and stage where future generations of Football royalty have been outdored.
The likes of Luis Figo, Alessandro Del Piero, Francesco Totti, Ronaldinho, Nwankwo Kanu, Neymar Jr, Coutinho and Xavi Hernandez are just but a few stars who first caught international attention at the U-17 World Cup stage. This year’s edition in India has certainly not disappointed in terms of continuing the tradition of unearthing talents that football lovers should keep an eye on for the future.
One of such diamonds in the rough is Right to Dream’s Ghanaian winger Ibrahim Sadiq. The 17-year-old wonderkid has been one of the standout performers in the competition although Ghana exited in the quarterfinal stage.
Ghanaguardian.com caught up with Ibrahim who revealed to us what it is like to represent his country, his plans for the future, his aspirations and inspirations.
Q: Not every footballer has had the opportunity to feature in a World Cup and as young man who has grown up in the streets of Nima, How does it feel to have represented your nation on the World stage?
Ibrahim: Not every footballer in Ghana has had this opportunity although it is every player’s dream. It depends on your hard work and what you want to achieve in your life. For me, I just dreamt of it and worked hard towards it. The opportunity was big for me and it gave me the chance to show who I am and make my country and area very proud. I am really really happy I had the chance to show my talent to the world.
Q: You were the match winner in Ghana’s opening game against Colombia scoring the only goal. What is the sensation like scoring a goal in a World Cup?
Ibrahim: It’s a big thing! Because the World Cup is even bigger than the African Cup..it’s the world stage and I scored my first goal for my country, it’s something big to me. Although I have been scoring a lot of goals for my club but this is the national team and to score the goal that helped us win the game is a big achievement for me.
Q: It has been rumored that your dream club is English Premier League giants Chelsea..How true is this?
Ibrahim: If you want to be an elite player you need to have an elite mentality. It’s a projection in the future a team I want to play for but it won’t be easy unless I work hard. So for me that is my dream but it doesn’t mean when other clubs come knocking I won’t be open to join. For now I am fully concentrated and committed to my team, Right to Dream Football Academy.
Q: some pundits have compared your style of play to that of the famous Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo but your favorite player is Eden Hazard?
Ibrahim: Yeah, I admire Cristiano a lot but I see similarities between my game and the way Hazard plays. I always watch him whenever he plays and try to emulate it into my game. I also watch Cristiano, he is good in the air I try to copy his technique,how he times his jumps to go for headers and his runs. But Eden Hazard is my ultimate superstar!
Q: What does the future hold for Ibrahim Sadiq ?
Ibrahim: I’m on holidays now and am enjoying it with friends and family. My future is in the hands of my manager he has encouraged me to rest for now. But in the next 5 years I’m thinking of becoming a great player to make my family and country proud.
Q: Is there any chance we will see you in the near future playing your football in the Ghana Premier League?
Ibrahim: I have a manager to guide me through my career path. He decides what is best at a particular time. I have played against several division sides already with my team and I have some experience. I like to explore the Ghana Premier League but because of financial reasons I will prefer a move out of the country.
Q: You have been one of the star performers for the Starlets at the World Cup, surely a lot of teams are knocking on your door I will imagine? Ibrahim: Yeah there has been some contact from teams in Denmark,U.K, Belgium and Spain, but nothing is finalized yet. My manager is in charge If there is any news you will be the first to know *smiles*.
Q: Ghanaguardian.com will like to congratulate you on the incredible performances you have put up for the Starlets and wish you well for the future. Final word?
Ibrahim: I will like to say a big thank you to all the fans in Ghana especially where I am from (Nima), all the people who watched the games and supported us especially the people in my house ( my uncles, my mum, my grandmother and everyone in the house) I really want to say a big thank you to you guys! Without you I wouldn’t be where I am today. Thanks for all the advice and in the next 5-6 years I will make sure I make you happy. I’m grateful for all you have done for me since I was a baby.
