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In this interview, Nigerian singer Ayoleyi Solomon, widely recognized as Reekado Banks, shares with ABIODUN ADEWALE his childhood inspiration to become a football player, his passion for Arsenal, and how he came to develop a love for boxing.

You were on the field with famous personalities and football legends at the Asisat Oshoala All-Star match last December. How was that experience?

It was quite chaotic, yet it was enjoyable.

Prior to that, when was the last time you participated in something so busy?

Previously, it had been three months, so I was just starting to get back into the rhythm.

Is football your preferred sport for relaxation?

Previously, before it turned into a recreational activity, when I was much younger, I believed I would pursue a career in football. Indeed, I was part of three clubs during my time in Ketu. One of these was Fair Havens.

How widely appreciated were you in football during that time?

I’d say I was quite well-known.

How did the passion for soccer start?

I suppose it was at the playground with other children, at home, at school, and in the church. One of the things that children in Nigeria often come together over is football, so it was no different for me.

Did any person or occurrence on television ever motivate you?

Yes, a great deal of Arsenal football. I developed a love for Arsenal at a very early age. Watching Thierry Henry play really sparked my interest in wanting to play football. (Nwakwo) Kanu was also a major inspiration. I also enjoyed watching Ronaldinho and Mikel (Obi). I always liked to watch Mikel because he had a certain style with the ball.

Which role did you occupy?

I took the position of a winger, typically coming from the left side.

Wingers are typically fast. Which of today’s wingers would you say your speed is similar to?

In actual football? No one. I don’t think so. Those players are like machines. I’m not that fast. Even though I had pace, my kind of winger would have been similar to Chidera Ejuke — the type who dribbles, cuts inside, and takes shots. You can also compare this style to Ademola Lookman and Ahmed Musa.

What other athletic activities do you keep up with when you’re not engaged in soccer?

Boxing happens to be my favorite sport.

How did that start?

I believe it began with my father. He frequently watched boxing and would occasionally mimic the moves, but my real interest in combat sports developed around 2018 or 2019. I was in London at the time and had a friend who was watching a UFC event one evening. I found it intriguing and wanted to keep watching. From there, I started following more UFC events and also became interested in boxing, as it was more widely recognized. Additionally, I began to take an interest in the athletes’ way of life.

How?

Simply observing them had an impact on me. You can see how bold they are, and I began to exercise and take up boxing training. I have been engaged in this for five years now.

When did you stop pursuing your dream of playing football?

I believe relocation really took its toll. My father was frequently transferred due to his role as a pastor. After I joined a new club in Ketu, we had to relocate to Ikorodu and start building relationships once more. That’s when music entered my life, and I began to follow that inner calling.

Any regrets about not pursuing a career in football?

No regrets at all. It’s too busy.

How much soccer do you follow these days?

I watch Arsenal games and Nigeria’s matches too. I followed the 2025 AFCON, and it was an incredible tournament.

As a supporter of Arsenal, you’ve likely experienced numerous highs and lows. Do you think this might be the season that finally brings success, particularly in the Premier League?

I believe the possibility remains quite low. We seem to have a tendency to fall apart and struggle. In fact, I’m more confident about us winning the Champions League than the Premier League. My reasoning is that I dislike it when Manchester City are ahead of us — it’s typically not a positive sign.

What commonalities do you observe between the Nigerian sports sector and the Nigerian entertainment sector?

One aspect is that both are experiencing rapid growth, with a large proportion of young individuals leading both fields. We possess talents who are internationally recognized.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).