In this interview, Nigerian singer Ayoleyi Solomon, popularly known as Reekado Banks, tells ABIODUN ADEWALE how he was inspired to become a footballer as a child, his love for Arsenal, and how he eventually fell in love with boxing.
You were on the pitch with celebrities and football stars at the Asisat Oshoala All-Star game last December. What was that kind of leisure like?
It was very hectic, but it was fun.
Before then, when was the last time you were involved in something that hectic?
Before then, it had been three months, so I was just getting back into the vibe.
Has football always been your go-to sport for leisure?
Before it became a leisure activity, when I was much younger, I always thought I would play football professionally. In fact, I joined three clubs while growing up in Ketu. One of them was Fair Havens.
How popular were you with football then?
I would say I was fairly popular.
So how did the love for football begin?
I guess at the playground with other kids, in the house, at school and in the church. One of the things kids in Nigeria usually unite over is football, so it was not different for me.
Was there anyone or any event on TV that inspired you?
Yes, a lot of Arsenal football. I fell in love with Arsenal at a very young age. Watching Thierry Henry play really got me interested in wanting to play football. (Nwakwo) Kanu was a big inspiration, too. I also loved watching Ronaldinho and Mikel (Obi). I always liked to watch Mikel because he was kind of stylish with the ball.
What position did you play?
I played as a winger, usually from the left-hand side.
Wingers are known to be pacy. Which of today’s wingers would you compare your speed with?
In real football? Nobody. I don’t think so. Those guys are machines. I am not that quick. Although I was pacy, my kind of winger would have been like Chidera Ejuke — the type that dribbles, cuts in and shoots. You can also liken that style to Ademola Lookman and Ahmed Musa.
When you aren’t playing football, what other sports do you follow?
Boxing is actually my favourite sport.
How did that start?
I think it started with my dad. He watched a lot of boxing and would throw his hands occasionally, but when I really got into combat sports was around 2018 or 2019. I was in London and had a friend who was watching UFC one particular night. I found it interesting and wanted to continue watching it. Then I started watching more UFC and got into boxing as well because it was more popular. I also started getting into the athletes’ lifestyle.
How?
Merely watching them influenced me. You see how fearless they are, and I started to work out and train in boxing. I have been doing that for five years now.
At what point did you give up your football ambition?
I think relocation really killed it. My dad was moved around a lot because he is a pastor. After I joined a new club in Ketu, we had to move to Ikorodu and start getting to know everyone again. That was when music crept in, and I started following that instinct.
Any regrets not playing football professionally?
No regrets whatsoever. It’s too hectic.
How much football do you watch these days?
I watch Arsenal matches and Nigeria as well. I followed the 2025 AFCON, and it was such a tournament.
As an Arsenal fan, you must have seen a lot of ups and downs. Do you believe this could finally be your season, especially in the Premier League?
I think the chance is still very slim. We just have a way of topping and crumbling. I even have more faith in us winning the Champions League than the Premier League. I believe that because I hate it when Manchester City are behind us — it’s not usually a good sign.
What similarities do you see between the Nigerian sports industry and the Nigerian entertainment industry?
One thing is that both are growing rapidly, and there is a high number of young people dominating both sectors. We have talents that are world-renowned.
Read the full article here
