Yakubu Nassam Ibrahim, the former Ghana U-20 attacker, recently had the honor of being selected to play against Inter Miami in a friendly match at the prestigious Hong Kong Stadium. As one of the chosen few from the Hong Kong Premier League, Yakubu stepped onto the field alongside football icons like Jordi Alba, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Lionel Messi. In an exclusive interview withmavericksportsgh , Yakubu shared his thoughts and emotions about this extraordinary experience.
“When I first found out I was selected to play against Inter Miami alongside football legends like Jordi Alba, Luis Suarez, Busquets, and Messi, I was proud of myself,” Yakubu recounted. “I had worked incredibly hard, and it was a moment of validation for me. I was happy to share the same pitch with those legends.”
Stepping onto the field to face such esteemed opponents was a mixture of nerves and excitement for Yakubu. “I was nervous, but at the same time, I was thrilled,” he admitted. “It’s not every day you get to play against some of the best players to ever grace the sport.”
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In preparation for the match, Yakubu described his restless anticipation. “I really couldn’t sleep the previous night because I couldn’t wait for the game to begin the next day,” he confessed. Mentally and physically, he was ready to give his all on the field.
The atmosphere on the field was electrifying, with a sold-out crowd of 40,000 fans. “It was my first time playing in such a massive crowd, and it wasn’t easy,” Yakubu recalled. “But I was able to handle the pressure and focus on the game.”
Reflecting on his 33 minutes of play, Yakubu acknowledged the challenges of facing such high-caliber opponents. “With the big crowd and football legends on the pitch, I just told myself to relax and enjoy the moment,” he explained. “Opportunities like this come once in a lifetime.”
Playing against football stars of this magnitude had a profound impact on Yakubu’s perspective and approach to the game. “I learned a lot from how they played so effortlessly and simply,” he said. “It definitely changed my outlook on the game.”
As Yakubu walked off the field after the match, a mix of emotions washed over him. “I was in awe that I had just played a game with legends—players I had always watched on the screen,” he said, reflecting on the surreal experience.
Although disappointed that Messi couldn’t play in the match, Yakubu understood the nature of such situations. “It was disappointing, but these things happen in football,” he acknowledged. “It didn’t take away from the incredible experience of playing against such esteemed opponents.”
Yakubu Nassam Ibrahim’s journey from Ghana to the Hong Kong Premier League and now facing off against football legends serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere. With determination, hard work, and the courage to seize opportunities, dreams can become a reality on the grandest of stages.
