Abdulrahman Bashir: I am not losing sleep over playing time in Plateau United
Plateau United newly signed striker, Abdulrahman Bashir has said competition for shirts in his new club is going to be tough but he is not losing sleep over it. In this interview with Trust Sports, the former ABS, Enyimba FC, Lobi Stars and Nasarawa United striker said his hard work and dedication will give him enough playing time.
You recently left Enyimba to join Plateau United. What informed med that decision? I have been asked this same question on before and what I can say is that I want fresh challenges. hallenges. Secondly, it has been my dream to o play for Plateau United so when the opportunity nity came, I didn’t think twice. Interestingly, both th Plateau United and Enyimba are going to represent present Nigeria in the Champions League. . So I don’t think I am going to lose anything. ng.
How are you enjoying your stay in Plateau United?
We are yet to resume fully but I am already feeling at home. I am in love with ith the weather and the people who are so passionate about football. I also have ve friends in the club and they encouraged ed me to come over. So I am happy to be in Plateau United.
So what would you say is your mission in Plateau United?
My mission in Plateau United is to score goals. We are going to play in the CAF Champions League, the domestic league and Aiteo Cup. These competitions are avenues for me to score goals. Most importantly, I want to help Plateau United win the Champions League for the first time. It is not going to be easy but together, we would achieve our ambition. What we need to accomplish our dream is unity and dedication.
Considering the number of quality strikers in the team, how confident are you that you will have enough playing time?
I have faced similar challenges before. Since I left ABS, I have not played in a ‘small club’. I have been in the best clubs where competition for shirts is usually keen. However, as a professional with experience, I have never been found wanting. It all depends on what I do in training. The coach will always settle for his best players. So I believe, if I give him what he wants in training and in matches, he will always look in my direction. So to answer your question, I am not losing sleep over playing time in Plateau United.
Have you decided on the number of goals you want to score?
Of course, my aim is to help plateau United with my quality. With all humility, I want to say that I am one of the highly rated strikers in the NPFL. However, I always resist the temptation to announce the number of goals I want to score over a given period. If I tell the world that I am going to score 20 goals that will put me under undue pressure. So we have to wait for the season to commence. All I know is that by the special grace of God, I will score goals for Plateau United.
How much did you enjoy your time in Enyimba?
I spent the last three years in Enyimba and I have no single regret. I am loved by the fans and I love them too. But in football, you don’t stay in one place forever. It is good to experience life in new locations. Today I am in Plateau United but tomorrow, I may be elsewhere playing for another club.
You have played for a number of NPFL clubs. Which of them did you enjoy the most?
Without doubt, I will mention ABS FC Ilorin because that was where I started my professional career. But I will say I enjoyed all the clubs I played for. When I left ABS to play for Enyimba, it was another happy moment for me. We all know their pedigree. I left Enyimba to play for Lobi Stars. From Lobi, I moved to Nasarawa United from where I returned to Enyimba. I have no regret playing for any of these clubs.
You were tipped to play for the Super Eagles. Are you still nursing that ambition?
Yes, nothing has changed. Having been a member of the Home-based Super Eagles, it is natural that I should aspire to move to the Super Eagles. Playing for the senior team is a matter of time. I will not rest on my oars.
You were a member of the NPFL All Stars team that went on a playing tour of Spain in 2016, how useful was the experience?
We all gained a lot from that playing tour. We played against some of the best clubs in LaLiga. It was our first time to travel abroad. We played against Atletico Madrid, Valencia and Malaga. The experience was huge. We saw firsthand what professional football is. How soon do you hope to move to Europe? God’s time is the best. I am praying for such an opportunity but I don’t have to be in haste. It is said that more haste less speed. When the time comes, everything will fall in place.
For the next two years, you will be working under Coach Abdul Maikaba. What are your expectations?
Maikaba is like a father to me. He is one of the best coaches in the Nigerian league. I knew him right from when I was in ABS. And since then, he has been talking to me. I thank God that opportunity has come for me to play under him. I will give him my best performance to justify his confidence in me.