Baba Adeeko looks back at his career so far in pictures
- Career In Pictures | Baba Adeeko
- Latics midfielder looks back at his career so far in pictures
- BUY APRIL'S LATICS MONTHLY HERE!
Baba Adeeko takes a look at some memorable images from his exciting career to date...
2016 | Baba Adeeko joins the Heatable Wigan Athletic Academy
THE START OF THE JOURNEY
“I grew up in the Ballybane area of Galway and had a really happy upbringing. I played both Gaelic sports and football, and I absolutely loved my football. I played locally for Mervue United until the age of 13, before I moved to England.
“I signed for the Wigan Athletic Academy, and I was instantly made to feel welcome. It was obviously a big decision to move away from home at such a young age, and it was definitely scary, but everyone at Wigan helped me settle into the area, and it’s been my home ever since.”
21 May 2021 | Charlton Athletic U18s 0 Latics U18s 2
U18 PDL NATIONAL CHAMPION
“This is one of the biggest highs that I’ve had in my career to date. I really enjoyed my two-year scholarship as an U18, even though it was really unique because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“I was able to gain lots of minutes during my scholarship, and we were able to win the Professional Development League North titles in back-to-back seasons. It was a huge achievement, and a lot of lads who are in the first-team now were part of that really successful team.
“Sam Tickle, Charlie Hughes, James Carragher, Harry McHugh and Chris Sze all featured, and we memorably became the National Champions after beating Charlton Athletic in the Professional Development League Play-Off Final at the Valley.
“I unfortunately missed out on the day through injury, but it was special to celebrate with the boys and our families after the game both on the field and in the changing room. My scholarship was a great experience, and the FA Youth Cup was also a real highlight. The experiences I had definitely put me in good stead for the future.”
21 September 2021 | Latics 0 Sunderland 2
THE PROFESSIONAL DEBUT
“After performing well in my time as a scholar, I signed my first professional contract in the summer of 2021. It was a proud moment for me and my family, and it signified how far I had come as both a person and a player following my move from Ireland.
“It was September time, and I had been playing for the U23s at the start of the season. We had a Carabao Cup game against Sunderland at home, and Leam Richardson gave me my professional debut as a substitute towards the end of the game.
“I came on alongside Chris Sze, who signed his first professional contract just 24 hours earlier, and it was a night that I’ll never forget. We unfortunately weren’t able to progress into the next round, but it was special to experience my first taste of professional football.
“I was fortunate enough to make two more appearances in 2020/21 and play again in the Carabao Cup in 2022/23 which is now a competition that I’ll always hold in high esteem.”
2 July 2023 | Baba Adeeko links up with the first-team squad
HUNGARY TO IMPRESS
“Towards the back end of the 2022/23 season, I started to train with the first-team more and more, and I was playing every week with the U21s. We had a brilliant U21s team under Stephen Crainey, and we finished just outside the Play-Offs on goals scored and reached the Final of the Central League Cup.
“The Gaffer (Shaun Maloney) came to the Club in January 2023 and immediately showed his willingness to give young players, like myself, the chance to shine in the first-team.
“I knew I had a big summer ahead of me, and I worked hard during the off-season to come back stronger physically. We had a pre-season trip to where the Hungary National Team are based in Budapest, and I feel like I really showcased to everyone what I could do.
“We had a couple of pre-season friendlies against the likes of Everton and Hearts, and I definitely felt ready to make my mark. Pre-season is such an important time of the year, and I am thankful I used that time to put the work in because I’ve gone on to make over 40 appearances for the first team this season in my first full year.”
5 August 2023 | Derby County 1 Latics 2
LEAGUE DEBUT DELIGHT AT DERBY
“My league debut was at Derby County, and it was an incredible game to play in. The lads were excellent, and the travelling fans backed the boys brilliantly. It was a special atmosphere and one that I’ll never forget.
“After everything the Club had been through in the season, you could feel the emotion after the game, because there were times that we didn’t think we’d get to that point. For myself, it was the perfect league debut, and the first memorable away day of my career.”
15 August 2023 | Carlisle United 1 Latics 1
STEALING THE SHOW AT CARLISLE
“After coming off the bench in the victories against Derby County and Northampton Town, I was given my first league start at Carlisle United by the Gaffer. I knew straight away that it was a big opportunity for me, and I had a real chance to earn a regular place in the starting team.
“The night couldn’t have gone better for me on a personal level as I felt like I put in a good performance, and worked hard for the team. I also created the opening goal, which was my first assist in professional football.
“This game is one that I will never forget, and it provided me the platform to get to where I am currently today. I am very grateful to the Gaffer, his coaching staff and my teammates for believing in me and giving me the confidence to go out there and express myself.”
8 September 2023 | Republic of Ireland U21s 3 Turkey U21s 2
GRACING THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE
“I was over the moon to receive my first call-up to the Republic of Ireland’s U21s in September last year, and it was an incredible feeling that I will cherish forever. Growing up in Ireland, you dream of playing for your country and representing the people who played a big part in your upbringing.
“I made my international debut against Turkey, and it was a dream come true for sure. The game itself was so memorable, and we won the game in the 96th minute which sparked some unbelievable scenes at the end.
“It was a fantastic experience, and hopefully I can earn more caps for the Republic of Ireland in the future because it is something that means a lot to me and my family.”
20 February 2024 | Baba Adeeko signs new long-term contract at Wigan Athletic
NEW CONTRACT REWARD
“Having established myself in the first team, I was rewarded with a new contract at the start of 2024. It was an easy decision to commit my future to the Football Club, because it is a fantastic place to be at the moment, and things do look really bright moving forward.
“I owe a lot of gratitude to everyone who has helped me on my journey to date, and I really want to repay people for their support because I wouldn’t be in the position I am today without the coaches, the fans, and my teammates. Hopefully I can keep on building on my performances and make everyone connected to the Football Club proud.”
13 April 2024 | Lincoln City 1 Latics 2
SURVIVAL SECURED
“After starting the campaign on minus eight, with a team mostly full of young players, we were proud to achieve our season objective of survival with games to spare. It’s a really big achievement, especially when you consider that it’s a lot of the Academy graduates’ first season in professional football.
“We’ve been really proud of ourselves, and although it’s not been the perfect year, we can take a lot positives moving forward into next year where we’ll looking to grow even stronger.
“Thank you so much for your support. We look forward to seeing you back at the Brick Community Stadium in the summer for hopefully another year of memorable moments and progression.”
