Ian Williams
👤 PersonPodcast Appearances
The call to prayer, a sound familiar to Muslims across the world. During Ramadan, the holy month in which followers believe the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, spiritual reflection becomes even more important. such as for those bowing in prayer here at Poole Mosque on England's south coast.
But among the regular worshippers is someone recognisable to millions, someone who has travelled a long way from home and who finds familiarity in faith.
As Dango poses for photographs, it's clear that his quiet, unassuming nature is at odds with the stereotype of the flashy Premier League player. The 23-year-old winger arrived in Bournemouth from French side Lorient just over two years ago. But until today's visit, some at the mosque still didn't know they had such a famous member of their family.
And for Dango, who left Africa five years ago as a teenager, that family has been important.
One of only four Burkinabes to play in the English top flight, he's certainly been hungry for goals, scoring nine times in 30 appearances this season for the Cherries. But as we settle down cross-legged on the mosque carpet, I wanted to know how fasting affects him.
And what do you do to try and get around it? I think you get up early, is that correct?
As the afternoon ticks by, more people arrive and do their ablutions before praying. They're beginning to look forward to the iftar, the meal which breaks their fast at sundown. Farooq Talukta is the mosque secretary.
For Dango, the feeling is mutual.
In his new home in England, faith has brought stability and routine, helping to turn Dango into a success on the pitch, someone who Bournemouth fans also have faith in.
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Golf is a tough game. That's why one of the sport's all-time greats, Ben Hogan, once said that the most important shot is the next one. Oh, by the way, that tee shot was me. This is Peter Odenwingi. The 43-year-old is a regular here at Aston Wood Golf Club near Birmingham.
Dressed casually in a blue golf jacket and white cap, the man walking what are today's soggy fairways won 56 caps and an Olympic silver medal for Nigeria and played for West Brom, Stoke and Cardiff in the Premier League.
So for the longest club in the bag, we want to hit the driver on the... As a PGA pro, Peter can now coach, which was handy for me.
Wow! Thankfully, he has grander plans. As a former Olympian, he likes the idea of leading Nigerian golfers at the Games.
What kind of benefits do you think that golf could bring to an African country like Nigeria?
Odenwingi admits that accessibility is a barrier for many in Africa, but says he wants to involve charities, businesses, state officials and the PGA in his plans.
There is still a fair way to go before Africa's golf revolution begins. But Peter Odomwingi is a man with a lot of drive. So anything's possible.