By Nurudeen Obalola:
Nigeria striker Olarenwaju Kayode has insisted that he is not similar to former Super Eagles striker Julius Aghahowa, Completesportsnigeria.com reports.
Kayode just joined Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk on loan from Manchester City and dismissed suggestions that he has similar traits to Aghahowa, who was a big hit at the Ukrainian giants in two spells between 2000 and 2012.
When Kayode was asked by Ukrainian reporters on Friday if he would compare himself with the Super Eagles 2002 World Cup star, he replied in an interview published on Shakhtar’s official website: “Julius is a great striker and a good man. But I don’t think we’re similar. Everyone has particular qualities. I’ve been training and looking forward to the moment when I’ll showcase mine.”
The former Austria Wien striker, who has been handed the No.88 jersey at Shakhtar, expressed his delight at joining the Ukrainian club after a torrid six-month loan spell at LaLiga newcomers Girona.
“I’m really impressed to be here,” he added. “I am happy to be a Shakhtar player! My dream came true to some extent because I’ve been watching the club for a long time – it’s fantastic. And they have great players. My objective is to work hard and to benefit the Miners.”
The 24-year-old Super Eagles striker then described himself as an all-rounder who is always looking to improve.
When asked about his best qualities, he said: “Probably, all of them. If you’re not perfect with your skills, it’s important to work on yourself, to get knowledge from the coach, to understand how the team play, and to be getting better tactically. All this helps me to perform at the proper level.”
Kayode is confident he can deal with teams that become ultra-defensive when they face Shakhtar.
“Yes, I’ve repeatedly faced such rivals. I don’t see this as a problem. I’ll be as focused as possible to prove myself in the best possible way,” he said, before stating his targets at Shakhtar.
“I really want to take part in the Champions League. And my objective’s just one – scoring goals and help Shakhtar with the teamwork.”
The post Kayode Targets Goals, UCL With Shakhtar, Declares: I’m Not Like Aghahowa appeared first on Complete Sports Nigeria.
