Daniel Oyegoke has opened up about the decisions that brought him to Lincoln City and how he is settling into his new surroundings.
Speaking to the press ahead of the game against Sheffield United this weekend, the 23-year-old was in fine form, opening up on the unusual career progression which has taken him from London to Lincoln, via Edinburgh and Verona.
As a youngster, he turned down a professional contract at Arsenal to join Brentford in 2021, before gaining senior experience on loan at MK Dons and Bradford City. Asked whether those bold steps came from trusting himself, he offered an insight into what lies behind them.
“Yeah, I have a big self-belief, a big belief in God, and I just make the decisions that I believe are right at the time,” he said.
“Funnily enough, it was kind of planned in terms of the moves that I made. They were all kind of planned. But it’s been a crazy ride. It probably looks more crazy to you guys than it is to me.”
After his Bradford loan, Daniel moved to Hearts in June 2024 and then Hellas Verona the following January. With England, Scotland and Italy already on his CV, the conversation turned to how difficult those decisions had been.
“It hasn’t been tough at all. Every move, like I said, has kind of been planned. Obviously, my agent and the team that I worked with before worked very hard to map out my journey, and funnily enough, it’s all kind of come to fruition.
“Looking on paper and seeing all the teams looks a bit mad, but there was a bit of a method to the madness. I’ve come away with crazy experiences, great experiences and a lot of learnings.
“It’s built me as a man and as a player, so I honestly wouldn’t change it for the world.”
His latest move brought him back to England on 1 September, when he signed a four-year contract with the Imps. The switch from Verona to Lincoln also brought a question about his life away from football. Being a London boy, then having lived in the Scottish capital, and finally Italy, he’s been around, but this move is one he’s finding better for family and friends.
“I’m really enjoying it. I just moved into a place yesterday, so now I’m settled. It’s beautiful. Everyone’s helped me, and I’m just so happy to be back.
“When you’re in Italy, it’s a bit difficult sometimes. It might be a bit lonely, a bit further away from friends and family, but being back here, I’m not too far from friends and family.
“Everyone in Lincoln’s been amazing with me, down to shopkeepers, you know what I mean? So I’m happy. Couldn’t be happier at the minute.”
I have to say, Daniel is an extremely impressive man, friendly and relaxed in the interview environment. It is encouraging to hear that he is already feeling at home, particularly after such a varied route to Sincil Bank.
His four-year deal gives him the opportunity to put down roots, and we will be hoping the experience gathered along the way helps him make his mark in our Championship side.
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