The forward, who has also featured for Enyimba, has settled down quickly in Europe since the winter and now wants to be given his chance in the Nigeria U20 team, the Flying Eagles.
The Jos-born star revealed his burgeoning career so far as well as his ambitions going forward -
What were the clubs you played for in Nigeria before you moved to Europe?
I played for Mighty Jets, Plateau United, Unicem Rovers, Enyimba and Heartland.
How did you take it when the offer to join Valerenga in Norway came?
I was so happy. I was offered trials in January and it was not so easy at the beginning because there was snow everywhere, but being a Jos boy, I was able to adjust quickly. I was lucky to get a deal straight away after my first trainings as I impressed the officials. The rest is now history and I came back to Nigeria to do my paper work, then I returned to Norway in March to sign the contract.
How has the experience being since you came to Norway?
So far, so good. It has been wonderful on and off the pitch. I am enjoying myself.
How will you rate your performance so far?
Well, I think I am doing well, though I just got my chance in main team so I am taking my chances. I have not scored yet, but I have provided some assists.
Your club started well but are now fifth on the table?
Our dream was to win the league and we started well as you observed, but we had injuries to many regular players. Good enough these players are coming back gradually and we are hopeful we could at least finish well to feature in the Europa League next season.
Who are your role models?
I started out in same team that produced Mikel Obi, Joe Akpala in Jos, El Kanemi Junior, so I look up to Mikel, who is a great player and wish to be like him. I thank God that my time has come to play in Europe. Lionel Messi is my role model, I want to be like him and Obafemi Martins is another player I admire because of their style.
Do you have any nickname and if so, how did you come about it?
They call me Dan Zaki in Jos which in Hausa means “Baby Lion”. The name was given to me during the Governor’s Cup in Jos. I was always coming on in second half and I will go on to score, so people began to call me that name and it has stuck.
As a striker, do you have a target of goals you have set for yourself this season?
Not really, I am not thinking about that. I just want to cement my place in first team and do well for the club. I am adapting to the style here because it is very different from what I was used to. I like to play with ball but here it is kick and follow.
Do you have any national team experience?
No. I am still 19 years old and it is my dream to play for National team. I am still eligible for U20 World Cup. Whenever my senior colleague here Fengor Ogude goes home for a national team engagement, I always believe I will be there one day. I will be glad if coach John Obuh (Flying Eagles) gives me the chance in his team.
How is the relationship among the Nigerians in Valerenga?
It is very cordial. Ogude is my senior brother here and I tell him everything, he gives me advice on how to do things, he has been helpful. There is Aaron Samuel, who has just joined the team, and Olanade, who holds Norwegian citizenship with Nigerian roots. We get along very well and that is why I feel at home here.
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