Having chosen Jamaica over Nigeria and the United States of America (USA), striker Nathaniel Adamolekun is ready to fire Jamaica into FIFA Under-17 World Cup.

The 16-year-old who has a Jamaican mother Michelle and a Nigeria father Lanre, was born in Texas, but says he is very much a Jamaican.

“I have been in Jamaica a couple of times and I just love the people, the country and I just love the vibes it gives off and the culture,” said Adamolekun.

“I never really had an interest in the Nigerian National team. Then in the US I never really had the opportunity to go and play for the national team, so Jamaica is a great opportunity and I am really enjoying it so far,” he noted.

The tall striker plays for Orlando City football club which is a new franchise that will be making its debut in the US Major League Soccer (MLS) this season. He attends Seminole High School in Florida.

The youngster who idolises the Chelsea striking pair of Didier Drogba and Diego Costa, scored the winner against Costa Rica last Tuesday, and he said he brings strength, speed and finishing to the Jamaican set-up.

“What I bring to the team is an athletic finisher who knows how to make runs off the ball, and I have experience,” said the confident striker.

Adamolekun, who was given a starting nod in Jamaica’s first game against Honduras yesterday, believes Jamaica has a good chance as anyone to qualify for the World Cup.

“I think we have a really good chance. We have a good offence, a solid defence, a very creative midfield and top-class goalkeepers, so I think we will really do well in this tournament.

“I have not seen much of Honduras and Cuba, but I know for a fact the US defence is big. But I heard they are not too quick, so we will definitely bring speed to the table,” said Adamolekun, as he joked about the sprint capital of the world.

“Honduras will be a challenge because they are hosting and we will be against the crowd. But all the other teams will be formidable opponents because they are national teams,” he added.

The young striker said he loves the vibes in the Jamaican camp and that they are having a good time. “As the coach stressed, if you not having fun there is no sense in playing at all. So we are relaxed, but focused to play, get out there and qualify.”

He is roomed with his strike partner Donovan Dawkins of Jamaica College, and he revealed how they spend time sharing ideas on how they plan to tear defences apart.

“We get along pretty well. We had to fight for the big bed, but we share ideas on the whiteboard. We drew up plays on runs we can make for the game,” explained Adamolekun.

If he is nearly as talented as his idols Drogba and Costa, then defenders in this CONCACAF Under-17 Championship will have their hands full in containing him, as he is prepared to give his all for his country. “As the coach said, we are at war and we will have to fight for our country.”