Stats by artemds, updated by Interista93
Name: Haruna Olatunji Ilerika
Nickname: "Master dribbler", "Tailor"
Country:
NigeriaClubs: Stationery Stores F.C.
Position: *AMF
Side: LF/BS
Age: 24-27 years (27/10/1949)
Height: 163 cm *
Weight: 57 kg *
Attack: 80
Defence: 43
Balance: 70
Stamina: 77
Top Speed: 80
Acceleration: 84
Response: 75
Agility: 88
Dribble Accuracy: 92
Dribble Speed: 89
Short Pass Accuracy: 82
Short Pass Speed: 83
Long Pass Accuracy: 77
Long Pass Speed: 79
Shot Accuracy: 77
Shot Power: 85
Shot Technique: 82
Free Kick Accuracy: 78
Curling: 84
Header: 61
Jump: 69
Technique: 89
Aggression: 84
Mentality: 76
Goalkeeper Skills: 50
Team Work: 72
Injury Tolerance: A
Condition: 5
Weak Foot Accuracy: 4
Weak Foot Frequency: 2
Consistency: 5
Growth type: Standard
Attack/Defence Awareness Card: Attack Minded
CARDS:
P03 - Trickster
P05 - Mazing Run
S02 - Passer
S15 - Shoulder Feint Skills
SPECIAL ABILITIES: Dribbling - Tactical Dribble - Playmaking - Passing
INFO:
Ilerika was an attacking midfielder. He started his career in 1970 at Metal Construction FC. One year later, he signed for Stationary Stores where he spent the rest of his career, retiring in 1981. He capped for Nigeria 30 times between 1972 and 1976, scoring 4 goals.
Known in Nigeria as the "Master dribbler", Ilerika is considered one of the greatest and most talented players the country has ever produced. Just a little taller than 5 feet and with a body weight in the featherweight category, Ilerika entertained the crowds with his sparkling dribbling and outstanding technique. His awareness, footwork, body swerves and dazzling, illusionary close ball control stunned his opponents and made up for his diminutive frame. He was also nicknamed "Tailor" because he would measure his opponent's length by using the ball, no matter how tall his opponent was. He was also known for his swerving free kicks that are still remembered in Nigeria. Dubbed "Soccer wizard" and "Magician" by players like Segun Odegbami and Adokiye Amiesimaka, Ilerika used to predict the timing of his goals like a prophet and he was often correct, scoring spectacular early goals with terrific shots at the exact time he predicted, especially in important matches. Therefore, he warned the spectators to be early enough to the field so they wouldn't miss the goal. He had consistently scored the fastest goals in most games during his time with Stationery Stores. Amiesimaka also described the exclusively left-footed Ilerika as "sheer magic" and "one of the greatest dribblers Nigeria has ever had". Ilerika also never suffered any serious injuries. As he never struggled on the ball, Ilerika dominated the game masterfully and with confidence, dictating the pace and doing whatever he wanted with the ball when he wanted to keep it.
The playmaker's dribble runs set up Nigeria's winning goals in the final of the 1973 All-African Games against Guinea. During the match, he dominated the field with ease and dexterity, setting up Sunny Oyarekhua's goal with a quick pass after dribbling three defenders with a fast serpentine. His skills were also crucial at the 1976 Africa Cup of Nations where he scored 2 goals against Egypt.
