Sports Reporter – The News
KARACHI: Nigerian striker Oludeyi Abayomi, who has been hired by Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) for the Premier League, promised on Saturday that he would prove his selection right.
“I am fully fit and am determined to play a lead role in KESC’s victories in the remaining games they have to play in the league. I will prove my selection right,” the 20-year old striker told ‘The News’ in an exclusive chat.
Abayomi landed here on Friday morning but was kept by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for around one-and-a-half day for not having the vaccination card for yellow fever.
The required document was, however, sent by his agent and former English Premier League player Austin JJ Okocha to the KESC management on Friday night. And the CAA released him around 1:00pm on Saturday after the KESC showed them the document.
The incident at the airport has surprised the Nigerian.
“I was surprised when I was told at the airport to show yellow fever card. I have been to several countries in Europe but nobody ever asked me about the vaccination card,” the player complained.
Abayomi belongs to a poor family. He has three brothers and most of them are jobless and his father Olusola has retired from a company where he was working.
The player seems to have potential as his contract with KESC has been made by JJ Okocha.
“I love Okocha because he is my mentor and it was through him that my contract with the KESC has been finalised. Okocha is a popular player and he is my coach as well. I don’t know how much KESC will pay me. Okocha knows it. He told me to go to Pakistan and I will be paid,” Abayomi disclosed.
The player looked worried because he has missed so many games.
“Had I got visa in time I could have played more matches for KESC. It’s really painful,” said Abayomi.
KESC are still to play 14 matches and it would be a treat to watch the first foreign professional who will be playing in Pakistan’s top league. Abayomi has also played for major clubs of Nigeria like Oyo United and Amatur I.