Flamingos defender names Liverpool captain as her role model ahead of Fifa U17 World Cup opener

Flamingos defender Jumai Adebayo has named Liverpool star and skipper Virgil van Dijk as her role model ahead of the start of their campaign at the 2024 Fifa U17 Women's World Cup.

Adebayo is one of the key players for Bankole Olowookere's side, having played an influential role in ensuring their qualification for the World Cup, playing as a centre-back.

She started both legs in the final qualification round against Liberia and will be hoping to start in the opening game against New Zealand at the Cibao Stadium on Wednesday night. 

Nigeria finished third in the last edition of the tournament, and Adebayo will be hoping they can go two steps better this time around by winning it for the first time in the nation's history.

Asked about her role model during her media duties ahead of tomorrow's game, the young defender named Van Dijk as her role model, and she gave reason for her choice.

"Van Dijk, because he is confident. I like his confidence,” she told NFF TV

Van Dijk is regarded as one of the best centre-backs in the world, with his calmness, composure and intelligent reading of the game, which has helped Liverpool become a force to reckon with yet again.

Besides helping the Reds win all available trophies, the Netherlands international has also won a lot of individual laurels, including the Premier League Player of the Season and UEFA Men's Player of the Year.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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