Gambian wrecker of Nigeria’s Flying Eagles, Adama Bojang heads for further exploits in Europe

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles and their followers will not easily forget Gambian striker,  Adama Bojang whose goal eliminated the Nigerian side from getting to the final match of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt last month.

The goal against Nigeria was not the only mark made by the 18-year old. 

He easily blew away oppositions to earn the nickname ‘The Gambian Hurricane’.

He scored four goals to help the Scorpions reach the final where they were defeated 2-0 by Senegal.

His tally included a hat-trick in a 5-0 demolition of South Sudan in the quarter-finals and the winner against Nigeria in the last four.

Those performances have the rumour mill churning out links to some of Europe’s top clubs including Premier League duo Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest, as well as Marseille, currently riding high in France’s Ligue 1, and Dutch giants Ajax.

But Bojang insists he remains grounded despite the reported interest.

“I’ve heard about the news and I am excited about it,” he told BBC Sport Africa.

“It boosts my morale. I’m focusing more on consistency which motivates me a lot, because seeing such clubs following you is a great feeling.

“Through consistency it will make them hungrier for me.”

Coached by grandad

Bojang says football is “the only game I’ve ever known” – but his family hesitated in assisting his goal of becoming a professional.

“Sometimes my mum would talk to my school team to stop me playing and focus on my education.”

Despite her initial reservations, the striker’s mother is now fully on-board with her son’s career.

“Later, she started coming to games because she sees this is what I love. She keeps supporting me and together we are making this happen,” he said.

“You have to follow your dreams and do what you love doing.”

And the family support network does not end there because the Bojangs had more than one representative at the U20 Afcon – coach Abdoulie Bojang, Adama’s grandfather.

“I’ve been with him since I was a child,” revealed the junior Bojang, discussing the importance of the relationship.

“It’s all because of him, he has played a big role for me.”