Former Golden Eaglets goalkeeper, Suleiman Abdallah, has added a significant milestone to his life journey by earning a university degree in Media Studies from Bayero University in Kano. Abdallah, hailing from Kano State, which has a rich football heritage, including the famed coaching family of Katsina United’s Usman Abdallah and Hassan Abdallah, who contributed to Samson Siasia’s success at the 2016 Olympics. Abdallah’s football journey was nurtured under the guidance of coach Emmanuel Amuneke, and he was a part of the Golden Eaglets team that competed in the 2015 Suwon Four-Nation U17 Invitational tournament in South Korea, alongside talents like Victor Osimhen, Akpan Udoh, Zakari Halilu, and others.
In a statement, Abdallah expressed his gratitude, saying, “By the grace of Almighty Allah, I have successfully completed my studies in Information and Media Studies at Bayero University Kano, graduating with Second Class Honours.” He revealed that his academic path, which began in 2017, faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and ASUU strikes, but he persevered and graduated this year, all while continuing his football journey with Kano-based side Ahzuba FC in the Nationwide League One.
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Abdallah, who had an illustrious career with the BUK football team during his undergraduate years, showcased his talents in the annual HiFL Cup. He proudly shared, “Football is my passion, but obtaining this degree was something my parents, especially my father, desired. That’s why I temporarily paused my football career to make my parents happy. Although it wasn’t easy, with the help of Almighty Allah, I am now a graduate.” Abdallah served as the football team captain at BUK and participated in the HiFL Cup from its inception in 2018 to 2022 as a goalkeeper, earning the title of “Man of the Match” in five different matches during his HiFL Cup journey.
Looking ahead, Abdallah remains resolute in pursuing his dream of becoming a professional footballer, with the ultimate goal of representing Nigeria as the goalkeeper for the Super Eagles. He confidently stated, “My ambition now is to continue building my football career to the highest level. I have all the qualities to be a great goalkeeper, and I believe I will reach the pinnacle. In the coming years, I aspire to wear the Super Eagles jersey as Nigeria’s number one goalkeeper, Insha Allah (by the grace of God).” Abdallah cited Dodo Mayana as his goalkeeping idol, acknowledging the influence of renowned goalkeepers like Peter Rufai, Edwin van der Sar, Manuel Neuer, and Andre Onana in shaping his aspirations.
