An insight on the rapid rise of Super Eagles latest invitee Jamilu Collins has been provided by the man who discovered him from the streets of Kaduna five years ago and took him to Football Academy Abuja.
The Paderborn left full back was named in the Super Eagles squad for their upcoming African Cup of Nations Qualifiers against Seychelles by coach Gernot Rohr earlier today.
Lawal Dankoli Mohammed who is fondly called Black Mourinho was the first to be alerted to his abilities, and he explained to Owngoalnigeria.com in an exclusive chat that he never doubted the abilities of the 24 year old even when he was released by Rijeka.
” Collins is a kid I never doubted. He had his rough times but he was always going to make it as a footballer. In 2013 I recommended him to the U-20s unfortunately he didn’t make the squad to the World Youth Championship “, the coach explained.
Black Mourinho who also groomed Dele Alampasu, Sadiq Umar, Nura Abdullahi, Orji Okonkwo, Kingsley Michael, Theophilus Solomon and Dennis Bonaventure described Collins as a modern day left sided player.
” I spotted him as a winger but I saw his confidence on the ball and decided to try him out as a left full back and he excelled. He has a nice height with a decent speed to blend. Above all he is very comfortable on the ball.
” Maybe his marking in one on one situation still need work but his positional play has improved tremendously, hence he now wins most of his duels. At Paderborn he has grown into a regular “, he concluded.
Osas Mahawi
