In recent years, the practice of introducing young players to professional mens football has gained significant traction. However, this trend is not without its challenges and pitfalls. Some players simply lack the requisite maturity to shoulder such responsibilities at a tender age. Adams Yakubu exemplifies the potential drawbacks of such promotion of young players prematurely, which can lead to career setbacks.
Popularly known as Kolade, Adams Yakubu experienced accelerated physical development at a very young age, enabling him to compete with older players at just 14 years old and standing at six feet. By the age of 16, the lanky midfielder had already secured a place in the main team of Adamawa FC, owing to his exceptional passing abilities and goal-scoring prowess.
Despite his talent, it became evident that Yakubu was not yet fully equipped for the rigours of elite mens football. Although he received call-ups to Nigeria’s U20 national team and subsequently the Olympic Eagles training camp in 2022, he unfortunately faced elimination during the final stages of team selection.
Yakubu, a native of Jos, received his early football training at the popular GBS academy grassroots club. Coach Bros, the head of operations at the academy, played a pivotal role in Yakubu’s development. When Coach Bros was later appointed as the technical director of Plateau United, he facilitated a new opportunity for Yakubu. Recognizing Yakubu’s potential, Coach Bros went on to transition him to the position of defensive midfielder.
As usual, Yakubu displayed promising passing abilities as he adapted to this new role, he however lacked the requisite physical strength to excel in such a demanding position. He concluded the season with two goals and three assists, notably scoring against Rivers United and Enyimba FC, respectively, in January 2024.
Yakubu’s potential transfer to AS Trencin in Slovakia presents a noteworthy opportunity for his ongoing football development, though official confirmation is still pending. While it remains uncertain if he can recapture the potential he displayed earlier in his career, implementing a tailored training regimen with a specific focus on strength training could potentially yield a player comparable to Yaya Toure in terms of performance and skill.
