‘NEVER, I’m Not Afraid Coronavirus Will Stop Football,’ Says ‘Zlatan’ News

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‘NEVER, I’m Not Afraid Coronavirus Will Stop Football,’ Says ‘Zlatan’

By Daily Sports on April 2, 2020

One of Nigerian grassroots most feared strikers Precious Ediae has been forced, like almost everybody else all over the world, to largely sit at home as a safety precaution against the coronavirus pandemic.

For the past few years now, Ediae (popularly known as ‘Zlatan’ in Benin City, after the famous Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic)) has seen his profile ascend as his knack for scoring fantastic goals, his power and his huge build has caught the eyes of many in major youth football tournaments like the Aiteo FA Cup and the Edo State League.

Last year he was joint top scorer in the Edo State FA Cup while, also last year, he emerged highest goal scorer in the prestigious Bet9ja football tournament in Benin City.

The player, who has had grassroots football education at BJ Foundation FC of Benin City, had been the subject of serious transfer speculations in the last few months as football agents hovered to get him to be in their books as they sought to market him to the professional level.

All was going quite smoothly on that front as the fair-skinned striker, who usually wears a fine smile across his face, was already deep in negotiations with a club in the Middle East before the coronavirus crisis struck to hold up things.

I asked him some questions recently about what he makes of the coronavirus pandemic as regards his football life.

How much has the coronavirus-induced break affected you vis-a-vis your football life?

Zlatan: It has affected me as a player in the sense that it causes me delays to sign a professional contract with my new team (overseas in the UAE). So it's affecting me right now

Were you grateful or grumpy about the order to stop playing football in Edo state?

Zlatan: I'm not happy at all because you are not allowed to play football and you know when you have always trained or are used to playing and suddenly you just have to stay indoors and do workouts alone it’s crazy. Although I acknowledge that being healthy and alive is important.

On which have you spent more time since you have been indoors due to being compelled to stay indoors? Video games or gym?

Zlatan: I do gym but most times its video games. You have to stay fit no matter the situation though.

How would you like to see the English league season end giving the present circumstances?

Zlatan: Definitely I want it to continue so as to see Liverpool crowned champions. We have missed the leagues already. I can’t wait for it to kick start again

Which is your favorite ‘stay at home’ exercise challenge? Why?

Zlatan: I like the press up challenge because it helps builds muscles and keep your whole body fit too.

Do you fear that football may never come back again and that the coronavirus pandemic could be the beginning of the end for the world?

Zlatan: Never. I'm not afraid that coronavirus is gonna end football. I have belief and faith that this worldwide health crisis is gonna end soon By God’s grace. Humanity will smile again and footballers will enjoy the game they love best again.