Exclusive: My Son’s Career Decision Got me Surprised, Former Enyimba and Israeli-based Goalkeeper Aiyenugba Reveals

Dele Aiyenugba, the former Israeli-based and Enyimba goalkeeper, is watching with pride as his son Daniel takes the first steps in his own goalkeeping journey.

The 15-year-old Daniel Aiyenugba has already made a name for himself with his club Beyond Limit, winners of last season's Nigerian second-division playoffs.

The Aiyenugbas' story bears a striking resemblance to that of the Schmeichels, with Manchester United legend Peter's son Kasper going on to become a renowned goalkeeper in his own right.

In an exclusive interview with Dele, Daniel’s father, he shared with SportsBoom.com how his son fell in love with his craft and the support he has given to the young lad.

He also made revelations about how his home has become a full-blown sports community and his interest in guiding his kids and the young, talented children within the country. 

Transferring of baton 

Whenever Dele Aiyenugba returns to Nigeria from Israel during the summer break, his primary reason is to spend time with his four children and bond with them. The 41-year-old spent 13 years playing in the Israeli league with four different clubs during his active playing days.

However, little did he know that his second son, Daniel, was already eyeing the mantle of becoming a goalkeeper, just like his father, a former CAF Champions League winner.

Whenever Dele trained, Daniel would watch his father's every move, staying stuck to observe his behind-the-scenes antics before the public got a glimpse. However, it never dawned on Dele that his son would take after his craft, considering there were other sports, professions, or areas in football he could venture into.

That was until Daniel's coach, Mr. Oluyori, drew Dele's attention to his son's affinity for goalkeeping. "I noticed that during my training, Daniel would stand watching me instead of doing his own training as a player," Dele revealed. "But when I returned to Israel, his coach sent me a video of him diving and doing goalkeeper training. That's when it dawned on me that he wants to follow my craft."

Like any father, Dele engaged his son to get his consent and then passed the baton to the Aiyenugba junior. "I told him that if he's ready to face the pressure, because being a goalkeeper is not an easy job, he said yes, and I gave him my blessing."

A family Rooted into Sports 

When asked if Daniel was the only one of his children interested in pursuing a sports profession, Dele replied that sports run in his family, with all his kids involved in different aspects.

"I think so," Dele said. "My first son, Joshua, is an attacker, while Daniel is the second born. My third child is a girl who isn't into sports yet, but she wants to be a football analyst. I also have a stepson who wants to follow in my footsteps, but he's not good at soccer. However, he's found his calling in basketball. So, I think sports run in my family."

Dele further added that he has influenced his kids to pursue sports. "Yes, I do really influence them," he said.

Speaking about Daniel, Dele revealed the challenges that come with being a goalkeeper. According to the former league winner, who had heroic moments as a penalty stopper with Enyimba during their 2003 and 2004 Champions League campaigns, determination is the key tool for anyone who wants to succeed as a goalkeeper.

"To be a goalkeeper, you need to be determined and focused," Dele said. "Daniel knows what he wants, and he wants to be greater than me. He's so determined, and I believe he'll achieve his goals."

Dele Believes What Matters is  Steady Growth 

So far, the Aiyenugba junior is one of the most sought-after goalkeepers in Nigeria and abroad and is also eligible to represent Nigeria in the U-17. Having won the second division, the Nationwide League with Beyond Limit, he also had moments at the Viareggio Cup that was held in Sweden early this year.

But Dele, his father, buttressed that what matters for his son is growing steadily with discipline so as to gather all necessary resources and information in the sports.

“God got the plan for me to direct him and help him to stay humble, pray, work hard discipline in and out of the field, and respect people.”

A Venture Into Talent Discovery 

Daniel's career growth has become a project in Dele's heart. He just completed his coaching diploma at the Nigerian Institute of Sports (NIS) after a short spell in the Nigerian league upon his return from Israel.

The 41-year-old having influenced his son said one of the reasons for taking a coaching course is to develop and impact talented kids in the country.

“Not really, I just want to impact my knowledge of the young ones coming up to help them be great professional.