Victor Gidado: Nigerian youngster eyeing stardom from Slovenia’s NK Bravo

Young Nigerian midfielder, Victor Gidado, has set his eyes on being a talent of global reckoning and following the footsteps of his role model Toni Kroos of Real Madrid and Germany who has been a huge influence on his style of play.

In this exclusive interview with The Guardian’s Oluyemi Ogunseyin, Gidado who is managed by KCG sporting management owned by Thaddeus Kenedy Idama, speaks on his move to NK Bravo of Slovenia from KSM Football Academy in Nigeria, career goals, and life in Europe.

Victor Gidado, congratulations on your transfer to NK Bravo of Slovenia from the KSM Football Academy in Nigeria, what has the reception been like at your new club?

First of all, my profound gratitude goes to God for giving me this opportunity and my sports agency, KCG Sporting Management for helping to make this dream come true.

The reception from the club has been really wholesome right from the coaches, the players and the backroom staff. I must say they made me feel comfortable and that has really helped me.

What are you looking to achieve at your new club or simply put, what is your goal for this season?

Well, my goal is to help my club in every way possible to attain greater heights as well as develop myself as a footballer.

You are a young player, you are actually 19-years-old, how do you aim to maintain a regular first team shirt at NK Bravo?

For me to achieve this, I need to listen to the coach’s instructions and play accordingly, I also need to give my best on and off the pitch.

Number one is discipline even as KSM Football Academy doesn’t joke with that. They also imbibe this culture of love among the players and that has really been of great help to me.

Going back memory lane, how did football start for you and what were the obstacles you faced to get to this stage as a footballer?

Football has always been a family thing, my dad loves football, my elder brother also plays football and I grew up watching him. I fell in love with the sport and here I am today.

The number one obstacle was getting a visa to leave the country (Nigeria) and I know a lot of grassroots footballers will agree with me on the fact that acquiring a visa is hectic.

It takes a lot to get a visa but I pray and I hope that that wouldn’t be a problem going forward.

What are those attributes you possess that stand you out as a defensive-minded midfielder? What makes you different?

Apart from my marking ability and alertness to make interceptions, I am also good on the ball and have eyes for goal. It is safe to say that I am a box-to-box midfielder.

Every footballer certainly wants to play for his country. How do you aim to get an invitation to the Nigerian national team?

By doing well in my club and staying consistent too, stats don’t lie, so I hope very soon, I will get to represent our beloved country, Nigeria.

It would be a great honor to wear the jersey as it is every young boy’s dream in Nigeria.

Where do you see yourself as a footballer in the next five years?

Every footballer wishes to play in one of the top five leagues. I don’t only see myself playing there but also by the grace of God becoming successful by winning trophies and laurels.

Who is your role model as a footballer? And why is the player your role model?

My role model as a footballer is Toni Kroos of Real Madrid. I chose him because of his consistency over the years, his pass completion percentage has not dropped below 90 in all the seasons he has played.

I respect that because I also play as a central midfielder and I can play as an offensive midfielder too.

What is your greatest achievement so far in your football career?

For now, my greatest achievement is signing a professional contract with a club in Europe. Because back in Africa, I know a lot of grassroots footballers who are aspiring to get this opportunity.

And for now like I said earlier, I think that is my greatest achievement in my football career and I know that many more will come as the years go by.