The Nation Newspaper

Category: SOS

  • MADUKA OKOYE : I became a goalkeeper by accident

    MADUKA OKOYE : I became a goalkeeper by accident

    Sparta Rotterdam’s goaltender Maduka Okoye left Nigeria at the age of six and did not return for 14 years. However, his memories of Nigeria are intact.  Born of Enugu-Nigeria father and a German mother, he spent brief times in Enugu, Abuja and Lagos before he was ferried to Germany where he spent his formative years and become a professional footballer.  His encounters with Nigeria as a child he said were interesting.

    Describing himself as a fully fledged Nigerian in spite of growing up abroad, the Super Eagles goalkeeper, who is in flight for the Nigeria number one position said he has fond memories of colourful masquerades on the streets of Nigeria- something he enjoyed very much as a boy on the streets.

    Born in Dusseldorf, Germany, Okoye was groomed at Bayer Leverkusen’s academy before joining Fortuna Dusseldorf in 2017 where he has been manning the post for the reserves.

    “I left Nigeria when I was like six years ago and returning was like a flood of memories for me. I know quite a few places and have been to Lagos, Abuja and Enugu.

    “What I remember most is the masquerade in Enugu and at that point when I was younger I was scared of them and my father used to tell me that I don’t have to be scared of them and all that. But I enjoyed a lot about that. I still remember all that a lot.

    “Though I live in Germany and had my schooling there I feel connected to Nigeria because the blood runs in my veins. We talk a lot about Nigeria and when I got the call up to play for fatherland it was a special moment for me. I may not have grown up in Nigeria but I know I have Naija blood. That is the main thing.

    PROFILE

     

    Maduka Emilio Okoye (born 28 August 1999) was born in Düsseldorf to a Nigerian father and a German mother. He started his career in 2012 with Bayer Leverkusen, turning up for their Youth team. In 2017, he left Bayer Leverkusen for Fortuna Düsseldorf, where he played for their Youth team and the senior team, Fortuna Düsseldorf II. In 2018, he was fully promoted to Fortuna Düsseldorf II, a football team that plays in the Regionalliga West.

    In the summer of 2017, he left the youth team of Bayer Leverkusen, where he has played since 2012 to join the youth team of Fortuna Düsseldorf.

    On 14 October 2017, he made his professional debut in the Regionalliga West for Fortuna Düsseldorf II in a game against Wuppertaler SV, replacing the injured Max Schijns on the 43rd minute of the game. He finished the 2017/2018 season with just 5 appearances, conceding just 1 goal and keeping 4 clean sheets, while his club finished the season in the 15th position with 36 points after 34 games, narrowly escaping relegation to Oberliga.

    In the 2018/2019 season, he became the club regular goalkeeper. On 13 April 2019, he played his last match of the season, against SV Rödinghausen, after being replaced in goal for the next matches by goalkeeper Jannick Theissen. He finished the season with 15 appearances, conceding 25 goals and keeping 3 clean sheets. This time, his club did better than the previous season, finishing the season in the 12th position with 42 points after 34 games.

    On 24 August 2019, he played his first match of the 2019/2020 season in a 2–1 home win against Schalke 04 II.

    In July 2020, Okoye signed for Eredivise side Sparta Rotterdam.

    On 30 November 2017, the coach of the Nigerian National Team, Gernot Rohr talked about his plans to invite Maduka to the Nigerian National Team before the 2018 World Cup, but the plans weren’t a success.

    On 20 February 2019, during an interview conducted by German based Nigerian sports journalist, Oma Akatugba, Maduka hinted that he’s open to invitation by the Nigerian National Team, and ever willing to wear the green and white.

    On 22 February 2019, he was invited to the Nigerian U23 Team for the 2019 African U-23 Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya U-23 by Imama Amapakabo, the coach of the Nigeria U23 Team, but failed to make a debut, due to club engagement.

    On 9 May 2019, Maduka was again invited to the Nigerian U23 Team for the 2019 African U-23 Cup of Nations qualifier against Sudan U-23. The football match was originally scheduled to take place between 3 and 11 June 2019, but was moved to September 2–10 2019 by CAF, the postponement was motivated by the closeness of the qualifying games to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations which held from 21 June to 19 July 2019, in Egypt.

    On 26 July 2019, the coach of the Nigerian National Team, Gernot Rohr, hinted that he is shifting his focus to Maduka as he looks to solve the goalkeeping crisis that has rocked his team since Carl Ikeme quit due to illness.

    On 14 August 2019, Rohr invited Maduka for a friendly against Ukraine that will be played on 10 September 2019 in Dnipro-Arena.

    On 13 October 2019, he made his international debut as a substitute in a friendly match against Brazil, ending 1–1.

     

    MADUKA OKOYE’S QUICK ONES 

    Nickname: Madu  

    Hobby: Working out in the gym

    Favourite Food: Jollof, Plantain and chicken

    Dream club: Liverpool

    Inspiration: God is my super power

    Super Power: I would like to fly to catch any ball

    Turn off: Bad music

    Favourite song: Oleku                                                           

     

    “Coming to Nigeria, he said was a major talking point in his family and before the camp I did not come to Nigeria for like 14 years and it was a special moment to come back here and meet with my folks.

    “At the end of it I was asked to follow your heart, you have to feel it, where the love is. I felt the love in Nigeria and I feel like a Naija boy, that’s why I chose Nigeria over Germany.”

    Okoye returned to claim the Nigeria goalkeeper jer sey in this month’s friendly games against Algeria and Tunisia and got fairly good ratings and has been widely touted to take over the vacant position.

    His maiden call-up and game for Nigeria would remain indelible in his brain.

    MADUKA OKOYE
    MADUKA
    OKOYE

    “I can’t forget it. It is so special to me. 13th of October 2019 is a date a will never forget and I have a tattoo inscribed on my arm to celebrate it. I feel highly elated and it is a shock and to play against a team like Brazil.”

    The match was a friendly encounter with Brazil played at Singapore national stadium and it finished 1-1.

    “As soon as a touch the pitch it was like every other game and it did not matter if Brazil’s great players like Neymah and Coutinho were there or not. We had a good game too and I think it was Joe Aribo that scored for us.”

    He connected well with the team quickly with some help from Super Eagles regular Leon Balogun who shares a similar German parentage with Okoye.

    “Of course Leon Balogun made me feel at home. He is like a big brother and you know he’s also from Germany because his mother is German and he introduced me to everybody and told me I would like it here. By the time I got into the team proper everybody was like a big brother to me and we do enjoy being together. It is a great thing and a blessing to be part of the Super Eagles.

    He also got the attention of his father who supported him massively to settle for the Super Eagles. “When I spoke with my papa on the phone he was happy for me and when we met physically we did not talk much. It was all emotional as I fell into his hands and we exchanged a lot of feelings and that’s it. We did not say much but I’m sure he was proud of me by the way we held each other.

    A lover of music, Okoye is also in tune with local Nigeria music and when he was asked to sing for the team upon his Super Eagles’ initiation, he sang ‘Madu’ by Kiss Daniel.

    “When I had to sing again because Ahmed Musa was in the game and them you have to sing twice and then I sang ‘Baby’ by Jo Boy.

    “I was a bit nervous, because I knew I had to sing after dinner. So when I started singing and everyone clapped, laughed and sang along, I felt more comfortable”

    I was received very well by other members of the team. While singing the Nigerian song, they went crazy and I think they loved me from the start.

    BECOMING A GOALTENDER

    He said he became a goalkeeper by accident.

    “It was a mistake really because I started as a striker. I was a top striker with number 9 for that matter. It all started when our goalkeeper couldn’t stay between the poles during a match in the winter because it was so cold. I was the first one that said let me try and since that day I never wanted to get out of the sticks. I enjoyed the moment and that was it for me.”

    While Okoye admitted he is in a competition with other goalkeepers in the team, he likes the brotherhood they’ve shown as they vie to make one another better. ”I am competing with Francis Uzoho and Ikechukwu Ezenwa but we are brothers because in this team, we are one big family. We push each other and get better together,” he concluded.

  • JOSHUA: I’M PRAYING FOR NIGERIA

    JOSHUA: I’M PRAYING FOR NIGERIA

    Famous Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua has pledged to support Nigerian youths who were injured during the EndSARS, EndPoliceBrutality, EndBadGovernance protest. On Tuesday, October 20, 2020, it was a sad day in Lekki Lagos Nigeria as many people were killed in an EndSARS, EndPoliceBrutality, EndBadGovernance protest.

    Joshua, who lives in the United Kingdom, said he is preparing some packages for the people affected in the protest and also send foods to people in Nigeria to help sustain them as they protest.

    He also urged them to keep pushing to end bad governance and have a better country.

    “This is a message to the people of Nigeria. Even though I’m not there with you in the physical, we’ve been making some tangible efforts to try and support your protests on the ground.

    “I know it’s getting to a stage where things are heating up, and tensions are high, but in my prayers at night, I’m praying for peace and positivity, because I know that the people on the ground aren’t trying to be heard for their own benefit. It’s for the benefit of the next generation.

    “December the 12th, I’m competing, and after that, I’m going to try and make some plans to come to Nigeria to meet my friends and family and meet some of the people trying to make long-lasting change. But for sure, from London and far and wide, your voices are definitely being heard,” he added.

    Reknown artists have also lent their voices to the Nigeria protest. Among them are Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Kanye West and they have expressed their support for Nigeria’s #EndSARS campaign following brutality against protestors.

    Videos circulating on social media appear to show live rounds being shot into the crowd by security forces.

    As footage and images from the scene began circulating on social media, figures from the worlds of music, film, fashion, and sport have been speaking out in solidarity with the protestors.

    “I can’t bear to see this torture and brutalisation that is continuing to affect nations across our planet!” Rihanna wrote on Twitter and Instagram Stories beneath a Nigerian flag emoji. “It’s such a betrayal to the citizens, the very people put in place to protect are the ones we are most afraid of being murdered by! My heart is broken for Nigeria man!! It is unbearable to watch! I’m so proud of your strength and not letting up on the fight for what’s right! #ENDSARS.”

    Beyoncé wrote: “I am heartbroken to see the senseless brutality taking place in Nigeria. There has to be an end to SARS.”

    “We have been working on partnerships with youth organisations to support those protesting for change. We are collaborating with coalitions to provide emergency healthcare, food, and shelter. To our Nigerian sisters and brothers, we stand with you.”

    John Boyega posted on Instagram writing, “I don’t know what to say. To wage such war on your own people…They must pay,” while Tinie Tempah tweeted:

    “The Nigerian government has failed. Innocent people are losing their lives. All human beings deserve to live without fear of police brutality or intimidation. The world can’t be silent whilst innocent people are being murdered whilst protesting.”

  • ARSÈNE WENGER: My Life in Red and White

    ARSÈNE WENGER: My Life in Red and White

    Former Arsenal manager reflects on his 22 years in charge the London club, how hurt he was by malicious rumours when he first arrived and how he has managed to move on from his life’s obsession

     

     

    Arsène Wenger still believes he could milk a cow but, as he says with a smile: “I haven’t tried for a long time. I might have lost the technique a little bit.” Wenger is one of the most humane and original thinkers in football and so it is not surprising that, moving beyond his “obsession”, we should spend 100 minutes talking about much more than the game that consumes him.

    Whether describing how he learned to milk cows as a boy in the Alsace village of Duttlenheim, or reliving his first memory as a five-year-old watching his local football team while clutching a prayer book, Wenger stresses his life has been built on the pillars of hard work and faith. “It’s amazing that you make your life with the values from childhood. I think all the champions I have met have been the same. They had the root of their motivations in childhood.”

    Having recently lost both his sister and brother in the space of six months, Wenger admits that writing his absorbing autobiography became more sombre. “Maybe because you feel guilty as well,” he says at his home outside London.

    Wenger, who managed Arsenal for 22 years, shrugs ruefully. “When you have a passion you are selfish because the people who suffer the most are those around you. Unconsciously you always give an excuse because you think: ‘I will see them in one month.’ When you move out [of football], you think it’s a bit frightening how selfish and one-directional you were.”

    Twenty-four years ago, in October 1996, Wenger’s immersion in Arsenal began as he became the club’s unknown new manager. He was only the fourth foreign manager to have worked in the English top flight – and the first three had been unsuccessful. Of course Wenger, who went on to win three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups, had a seismic influence on English football. But it is often forgotten how he suffered soon after his arrival.

    I wondered how such lies could be written without any evidence or truth, just to smear a man. I was very angry

    He writes that “the pure hostility, lies, vile allegations … started with a radio host, a Spurs supporter, so I have been told. I had apparently been spotted in disreputable locations, in preposterous situations.”

    The baseless rumours intensified. Wenger was living alone in a London hotel as Annie, his future wife, had yet to join him. He recalls that, over breakfast, people looked at him suspiciously or turned away. “It was intolerable. I wondered whether the world had gone mad, how such lies could be written without any evidence or truth, just to smear a man. I was very angry.”

    Wenger sounds sanguine now. “I was quite surprised by the violence of these allegations because I didn’t know where they came from and why. But then I thought: ‘Why am I doing this job? Let’s focus on that.’ I was 47 years old and I knew who I was and what I wanted in life so it didn’t depress me too much. I had been in Monaco for seven years and in Japan two years before I arrived here. I knew that, in different countries, you sometimes face adversity.”

    Did it shake his affection for England? “No. I love England, because it’s a country of passion, emotion, of sport and music, and it’s brave. But this is also a country where you have media competition and sometimes it’s out of control.”

    For Wenger the nadir occurred when Annie’s 12-year-old son was hounded by tabloid reporters. “That was not very fair, no,” he says quietly.

    He held an impromptu press conference outside Highbury and the way he spoke was so convincing that the lies suddenly stopped. “But it left something in crowds that were vicious,” he recalls. Years later vitriolic supporters still resorted to chants calling him a paedophile.

    Wenger “knitted myself a soul in red and white” as he showed an unbreakable loyalty to Arsenal. But, as happens so often with great managers, he lingers over the defeats. As a young manager at Nancy, Wenger was stricken by a loss just before the Christmas break. He was so desolate – “like a zombie” – he spent Christmas and the next three weeks alone.

    He believes “that dark place” was “where I learnt patience, endurance and rigour”. But as he later tells me and an online audience at a Guardian Live Event: “I had problems in coping with defeat. I did throw up sometimes and it took me time to recover from a defeat. I wondered if I am made for this job because when you suffer so much physically you will not survive. But I had always a quick recovery. I am an optimist, basically. I thought: ‘Let’s go to the next one.’”

    Was he ever physically sick after an Arsenal defeat? “I was more mentally sick. I made 1,235 games for Arsenal and didn’t miss one. I can’t remember when I stayed in bed to miss training in 22 years. But, after defeat, you never sleep. You have an internal film that goes through your mind. It’s a sense of anger, humiliation, hate. The next day you have to put that into perspective but every defeat is still a scar on my heart.”

    In 2003-04, when his Invincibles did not lose a league match the whole season, he had “no fear of anything. Just go to a game and play – and you will win. I wanted to play the perfect season. Usually when you win the Premiership, two or three games later you suffer a loss. I told the players: ‘You can become immortal if you continue to focus.’ That’s what happened.”

    The inevitable end to the record unbeaten run came in the fateful 50th match, in a controversial defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford. “You felt a sense of injustice because we did not deserve to lose this game,” Wenger says. “Rooney got a soft penalty and, in the first 20 minutes, Ljungberg was clear through and Rio Ferdinand should have been sent off. With VAR today he would have gone. What was bad is we climbed Everest and fell to earth again. Now you tell the players we have to climb up again. That’s difficult.”

    Wenger was haunted most by the Champions League – and especially the 2006 final when, reduced early on to 10 men, they led 1-0 until the 79th minute when they conceded two late goals to Barcelona. “We had beaten Real Madrid with Ronaldo, Figo, Zidane and Raúl and we did not concede a goal in the whole knockout stage. We beat Juventus who had Vieira, Ibrahimovic, Trezeguet. It was hugely frustrating. We twice had chances to score the second goal and if we’d played with 11 against 11, we would definitely have won the European Cup.”

    Wenger sounds relaxed. Apart from his work at Fifa, where he was appointed as head of global development last year, he still plays football and has moved from his old position in midfield to central defence. “I play charity games every few months. My next game is in November. At my age it takes time to recover. But I usually have Laurent Blanc on my left and Christian Karembeu on my right. So I get away with it.”

    “How did you cope emotionally after leaving Arsenal? And what advice would you give to someone having upheaval in his or her life?”

    Wenger looks up and says, as thoughtful as ever: “Well, I tried always to structure my day, to keep disciplined and in touch with people, to try to improve my knowledge of the game, to understand society. I tried to become a better person. I had the frustration I could not get my football drug. So that was difficult. But, you know, time is a good doctor. It heals the pain.”

    Culled from The Guardian of London

  • OLUSEYI OYEBODE: Lip service paid to grassroots sports

    OLUSEYI OYEBODE: Lip service paid to grassroots sports

    Oluseyi Oyebode is an astute grassroots sports promoter whose passion cuts across all sports. His eagerness to see sports grow in schools has endeared him to many across the country. However, Oyebode believes there must be conscious efforts by schools to give attention to sports. He speaks with Olalekan Okusan

     

    Background

    My background in sports was inspired by the level of sporting activities and awareness in the 1980s, I vividly recollect many football and athletics programme at the grassroots level which encourages me into sports developments, I was in class 3 in 1983 when I started my coaching career as a coach player, I usually gather my classmate and my juniors then for coaching before joining clubs for mentoring programmes and hence my decision to further seek more knowledge from the then Department of Physical and Health Education, University of Lagos in 1994 and later became the University of Lagos, Student Union Government (SUG) Sports Director, which emerged as overall winner in the UNILAG NUGA 1998. Furthermore, I also led as the director of sports at Greensprings School, Lagos with lots of achievements and participated in the 2003 All African Games in Abuja as assistant manager in gymnastics. I am also an alumnus of International Olympic Committee (IOC) Advance Sports Management course before finally becoming a grassroots sports development enthusiast.

    Embracing sports in school

    I decided to embrace sports in school because of my passion for genuine sports development, many years ago. I discovered that the bedrock of sports development lies in school sports. My love for sports was due to the structured events and activities with proper coaching put in place even from primary schools. I was fortunate to represent my Primary School then in the 70’s before playing for local clubs in the community. You will recall that many FIFA junior tournaments started in late 90’s and Mid 80’s and that further propagate the interest in school sports because many of the talent discovered then came from the school sports programmes.

    Experience as sports director

    My experience as a school sports director was overwhelming. My involvement exposed me to the global perspective of sports development and it has enabled me to interact with counterparts across the globe as well as gave me the opportunity to develop grassroots sports concepts that is now beneficial to many federations and associations today. One of the major challenges was encouraging schools to use sports as a tool to develop students’ growth which later encourages parents to subscribe to my philosophy of sports and education. Consequently, many students in public and private schools have benefited through scholarships and professional sports participation.

    Lip service paid to sports in school

    Sports have not been given enough attention in schools in Nigeria, due to lack of focus in school sports administration, dearth of various associations and bodies responsible for school sports growths, lack of good trained sports masters and coaches. Most schools focus on funds generations without actualising the purpose. Also lack of good structure to support school sports developments with adequate facilities and play ground to engender development in schools. In all, the overall economic situation has affected every area of our lives.

    One of the major problems in Nigeria today is our inability to focus and understand our strength and purpose. I was able to discover this challenge at the tender stage in my career and this really helped my focus. Sports development has many challenges due to long time feedback on investments and this is one of major reasons why many administrators decided to avoid school sports. To be involved in school sports, you need to be rugged and dogged and also be resilient. You should be prepared to fail before success. All the above qualities eventually serve as my strength, hence my interest in school sports.

    Challenges of school sports in Nigeria

    My assessment of sports in Nigeria still remains below average. Though I am aware the current sports minister is doing his best to involve private participation, which to me is a good idea but the question remains, trust as an issue and sustenance a great challenge. We need a system that sincerely encourages genuine sports development. If you lack basic self-trust, self-respect and self-confidence, your self-esteem deficiency will limit you, no matter what other assets you possess. The value we place on ourselves is usually the value others place on us.

    Our challenges in school sports are enormous and I have spoken about some of them for many years. Any Nation that fails to invest in her youths will definitely have issues and will kill the morals and passion of its youth, not only in sports but in every area of life. Lack of school sports funding and corruption has become the major bane to school sports development in Nigeria. In addition, the problem with uncoordinated sports growth plans and maladministration of wrong peg in the right hole with nepotism has become a big challenge. A good structure that encompasses coaching, teaching and administration with a well sorted policy can still change the situation.

    Revival of grassroots sports

    School sports can easily be revived through adequate coordinated plans and genuine efforts from the Federal Government that will trickle down to the lowest level of school sports organisation in Nigeria. There should be a DNA of sports development that will engender all areas including teaching, coaching and administration which will lead to a sorted grassroots sports curriculum plans for the purpose. I have discovered over the years that we don’t develop from the root but pick any available grass to use. The greatest enemy of tomorrow’s success is today’s success; hence the need to refocus our sports plans as a nation. We need to stop recycling our sports administrators, hence we remain static, and our sports education programme curriculum in our tertiary institutions is not addressing today’s sports needs. There is a need for sports policy development that will meet global requirements. A good sports structure that can accommodate 18 months to 18years will survive.

     

  • Ex-footballers sparkle as Odion Ighalo 02 Arena is commissioned in Ajegunle

    Ex-footballers sparkle as Odion Ighalo 02 Arena is commissioned in Ajegunle

    By Taiwo Alimi

     

    It was an ensemble of the crème de la crème of ex-international, footballers, administrators and politicians when the Odion Ighalo 02 Arena Ajegunle was commissioned last week by Lagos State Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Social Development, Hon. Segun Dawodu.

    The standard astro-turf pitch located inside the famous Tolu Nursery Primary School, where many famous Nigerian players of Ajegunle heritage had caught football bug, is named after Super-Eagles and Manchester striker, Odion Jude Ighalo, for his benevolence and works to touch lives of the people of Ajegunle in  Ajeromi-Ifelodun LG.

    To commemorate the historic commissioning, scores of ex-players took to the pitch to show their skills with Team Ayoola named after Hon. Fatai Adekunle Ayoola, chairman of Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA and Team Ajide, after Hon. Tajudeen Ajide, chairman of Surulere LGA.

    According to Hon. Ayoola, naming the pitch after Ighalo was to encourage budding talents in Ajegunle to aspire for greatness.

    “This decision to name these edifices after Ighalo is to show that our government recognizes and commend those who makes Ajegunle proud at global stage,” he began.

    Read Also: Martins replaces Ighalo at Shenhua

    “And with this, we are proud to officially announced Odion Jude Ighalo as Ajegunle Ambassador,” he added.

    During a video call with the Ajegunle born striker, an elated Ighalo promised to continue his practice of developing budding football talents in Ajegunle.

    The cameo appearance of Surulere LGA chairman, Hon. Ajide was the morale booster for Team Ajide who squared up with Team Ayoola led by former Super Eagles defender Ifeanyi Udeze in the novelty football match to declare open the Odion Jude Ighalo 02 Arena.

    Speaking, Hon. Ajide commended the initiative which he said would encourage the catch-em-young programme of the LG. “As a footballer first before becoming a politician and a social worker, I know that it is important to invest in people as it is the best legacy you can leave for your people.”

    Some of the Super-Eagles veterans who played the novelty football match include Godwin Okpara, Monday Odiaka, Ebun Oloyede, Segun Fetuga, Wasiu Ipaye, Festus Odinni, Jonathan Akpoborie, Peter Nieketin, Don Keffe, and Emmanuel Etu.

    Others are Edema Benson, Bremner Alada, Tajudeen Disu, Gani Akanni, Taiwo Oloyede and Mc Anthony Anaelechukwu.

    Interestingly, Ighalo was born and bred in Ajegunle and the field that was named in his honor was the same pitch where he learnt the rope as a boy. The Shanghai Shenhua player was represented by his brother who presented a customized jersey signed by Ighalo to Hon. Ayoola.

     

     

     

  • LEKE JAMES: I would have been a medical doctor

    LEKE JAMES: I would have been a medical doctor

    Molde FK Striker, Leke James is a Nigerian player who has been hugging the headline for the right reasons in Norway. He was the second highest goal scorer in the Norwegian top-flight last season with 17 goals and he is currently his club’s leading scorer despite an injury blighted campaign. In an interview with Tunde Liadi, James speaks about his encounters with current manager of Manchester United, Ole Gunnar Solksjaer,  his desire to play for the Super Eagles, his quest to discourage youth restiveness in the volatile Kaduna State through an annual competition to fish out hidden talents from the state and other sundry matters.

     

    Prolific striker with Norwegian top division team Molde FK, James Leke has recounted his encounter with current gaffer of Manchester United Ole Gunnar Solksjaer changed his career for the better.

    Leke, 27, has had a roller skater experience playing in Norway until he had to move to China at the end of the 2015 season.

    His first incursion into the Eliteserien, the top flight of the Norwegian football league, was with Aalesund as he joined them from Bridge Boys, a youth club associated with Julius Berger FC in 2011 and remained there till 2015, scoring 37 goals in 90 appearances.

    After playing for about four seasons in Norway, James made the bold move to relocate to Chinese side BJ Enterprises in the summer of 2016. Despite playing only 27 games split over two seasons in China, James was able to score 13 goals before he sustained a serious injury in his second year.

    “My decision to move to China wasn’t motivated by money but by the quest to change environment and try something new.”

    “My time in China was a great experience despite having played in Europe. It was nice to see what Football looks like in Asia. I was impressed because the mindset I had of going to China was thinking it would be too easy for me there but when I got there I was surprised at the level. The standard of the game was higher than what I expected. I also had to adjust to a new culture, mentality and food. It was a new experience for me,” said James.

    OLE GUNNAR SOLKSJAER

    It was in this trying time that Solksjaer, then coach of Molde FK came into his life and career.

    “The injury I had happened in my second year in China and I had to undergo surgery which kept me out for about a year so I decided to complete my rehabilitation in Norway which feels like home for me after Nigeria and where my reputation was still intact. At that point Molde FK was under current Manchester United manager, Solksjaer.

    “Solksjaer made inquiry about me and found out that I was free and he invited me to join them at Molde. I did and I completed the last phase of the rehabilitation there and I started playing again after a year out to injury.”

    The Nigerian hailed the impact of Solksjaer who he said gave him sufficient time for the injury to properly heal.

    “The response of my family members and loved ones were also good. They stood by me because the injury was so bad that I was contemplating early retirement.

    “It was really a challenging period for me. It was as if I was in hell because a lot of things were running through my mind.

    “I was able to recover and many thanks to Ole Gunnar Solksjaer because he gave me time to recover well and helped me to get back on my feet again. When I came back the progress was amazing. So here I am.”

    He applauded Solksjaer managerial style and revealed that his humane disposition to him and the fact that he was patient with him during his nightmarish injury problem makes him indebted to him.

    “Yeah I considered the idea of moving to Molde because it is where my house is and Solksjaer wanted me to come as he found out I was free. We have a great coach-player relationship,” James pointed out.

    “We (he and Solksjaer) met in Spain when Manchester United was there, he visited us and we had a little chat.”

    The striker was the second highest scorer in the Norwegian Eliteserien with 17 goals from 28 games last season and despite missing some games this season due to injury and ill-health James has seven goals from 14 league games and two additional goals in their Champions League campaign, which was truncated by Hungarian side, Ferencvaros in the playoffs round.

    However their performance in the lucrative club competition earned them automatic qualification to the group stage of the Europa League competition where they are up against Arsenal, Rapid Vienna (Austria) and Dundalk of Republic of Ireland.

    SUPER EAGLES

    Leke is also looking forward to playing for the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

    “I am not desperate but I feel my form for the clubs I have played for in successive seasons in Europe should have at least earned me an invitation to the Nigeria national team. It is a thing of joy to play for one’s national team and I am going to cherish it.

    “Some are saying it might be because I am playing in Norway but it was from the same Norway William Troost Ekong got the recognition to play for the Super Eagles while he was playing for Haugesund back then. I believe every player that is doing very well for their clubs and are consistent should have a shot at the national team.”

    His experiences playing for the national teams of the U17 and U23, he said, give him the self belief that he would do well at the senior level too.

    James was in the Golden Eaglets set of 2009 that won silver at the FIFA U17 World Cup in Nigeria while he played in the Austin Eguavoen led U23 team in 2011. The team failed to qualify for the 2012 Olympics football event.

    When asked if he desires a move to the illustrious English league, he said: “At 27 I can still play in England given the opportunity. Though, work permit has been a hindrance but I have got offers from there, hopefully it will be sorted out soon.

    “For some reasons I didn’t want to leave Norway because of something that I am aiming at here,” the attacker informed.

    “It is the reason why despite having several offers on ground, but I have been the one delaying it because there is something I’m aspiring to get here which requires that I am in Norway for quite some time before I could get it. Hopefully the time to leave is near.

    “It is a tough league and highly physical and that is why if you succeed in the Norwegian league I think you can succeed in any other leagues. The standard and quality of the game here are satisfactory.”

    James thumbed up the Super Eagles progress under Gernot Rohr and he tipped the team for their fourth Africa Cup of Nations crown in Cameroon in 2022 if the technical crew stays intact and the rebuilding process is not truncated.

    “I think Eagles’ technical crew headed by Coach Gernot Rohr is doing a good job with the rebuilding process of the team. Young players are being involved and the team is playing now with a known formation and consistently too,” James commented.

    “I am certain that the team will continue to grow from strength to strength and winning the next Africa Cup of Nations is a possibility if the team doesn’t relent.”

    NIGERIAN LEAGUE

    He also beckoned on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to create enabling environment that will ensure that the talents that are abound in the country are properly harnessed and made to flourish.

    James noted that his wish to give back to the society that made him to set a foundation which has been organising grassroots football competition for the youths of Kaduna since 2016 and that some of the talents discovered have the prospect of taking their careers abroad if they are serious and are successful at trials that will be organised for them.

    “If we are talking about talent, I think Nigeria is blessed with it. That is the reason why I have been funding a programme in the North that has to do with young players and it is really amazing the number of talents you see there.

    “It is such a blessing to our country but I think a lot of things need to be put in place to expose, nurture, groom these talents to give them a proper foundation which will probably help our football in the country at a long run. It is really amazing the number of talents being discovered almost every day in the country.”

    HIS FOUNDATION

    James also explains the reason for the annual competition in Kaduna State named after him that has been on since 2016: “It’s an annual competition, started in 2016. The aim is to give back to where I started from and to expose talents. I bring scouts from Europe to watch them every year. I think it’s an opportunity for some talents to achieve their dreams.

    “It may not hold this year because of the Coronavirus pandemic. I want to inform you that three players were supposed to travel in the summer but got stuck in Nigeria because of the pandemic. We are still hoping that things go back to normalcy soon so that the process can be finalized.”

    James categorically stated that he won’t like to veer into coaching when he finally hangs his boot and that he is considering going into football administration and players’ management.

    “Yes….something like that especially with the young players. I’m not looking into coaching.”

    MEDICAL DOCTOR

    Amazingly, the Molde FK striker hinted that he could have been a medical doctor and working in a big hospital if not for football and that his admiration for the job came as a result of his early exposure to the Profession through his mother who is now a retired nurse.

    “I definitely would have become a medical doctor without a second thought if not for football. I really love the Profession. My mum is a retired nurse and I always admired the doctors whenever I visited her at the office back then,” James noted.

    James is happily married with two kids and he said that being married has turned around his life and that it has made him to be more focused and responsible as a man.

    “It has made me more responsible and kept me more focused. And also helps me to set my priorities right and made me more mentally strong,” added James.

  • RAMON AZEEZ: Moving to Spain at 18 was big boost

    RAMON AZEEZ: Moving to Spain at 18 was big boost

    Ramon Azeez fairy story in Spain after scoring for Granada against Barcelona last season has singled him out as one of the most successful Nigerian players in the La Liga. The Nigeria international caps for the U17, U20 and Super Eagles, shares the good and bad times of nine seasons (his entire professional career) in Spain, with Taiwo Alimi.

     

    While he looks forward to returning to the Super Eagles after his short national stint in 2014 and 2018, Ramon Olamilekan Azeez has described his first transfer abroad at the age of 18 as a huge step that jumped start his career.

    The 27 year-old former Nigeria U17 and U20 midfielder, noted that though he left his parents when he was still a teenager the tough times and nurturing he acquired helped him acclimatised to top European football.

    He said: “When I left home (Nigeria), I was barely 18 and it was not easy because I was moving to a big club in Spanish La-liga. Almeria is a big by any standard and though I was happy to land a great club, I was also apprehensive because it is my first time of leaving home and my parents on a permanent term. I was at 18 in a place with different weather, culture and language and at the beginning it was very tough and difficult. It was complicated for me especially because of the language, but with time I got used to it as I learn and start speaking the language. That was the very important moment for me.”

    Even, his parents were not comfortable with his leaving home and being on his own. All they wanted him to do was go to school and take up a professional career. “My father really wanted something different for me. He was talking about going to school, graduating and be a doctor or accountant. In-fact my parent did not want me to play soccer. My mum in particular was always apprehensive when I go out to play. She believed I would hand out with miscreants and she would lose me because she was of the opinion that those that played football on the streets are street boys.”

    Azeez recalled an episode when he got into big trouble with her mother for using his school sanders to play street soccer.

    “It was a funny incident which I would not be tired of telling. I was always getting injury playing with my bare feet on the street, especially when other kids were using boots and canvasses. On this particularly day I played with my school shoes and I was home sleeping. Around 1AM fast asleep and she just woke me up and said ‘where are the shoes that I bought for you’ and I said I’ve washed it not knowing that she had already seen it and kept them. I looked for the shoes and couldn’t find them and I told her I don’t know where they are. At that point she started beating me and yelling. But, thank God because that phased passed and I’m thankful that she brought me up well to be who I am today.”

    That was until his father saw something in his game and convinced Azeez’s mother to allow him follow his dream. “I was focused and that changed my father’s perspective of football. He also liked to watch football and that made my mum to also key into my dream. She is always praying for me.”

    Still full of praises for Almeria, he said his ‘boys club’ nurtured from boy to man. “I spent six years there and enjoyed the best atmosphere to grow. The management was patient with me and encouraged me to play for my country whenever I was invited to play for the national teams.”

    Azeez started off with the Almeria B team in 2012, same year he was transferred to Spain and a year later, got promoted to the Andalusains main squad with the club having just recently promoted to La liga.

    “I scored my first La liga goal in December 2013 against Real Betis and the second against same team when we met again. “

    Though he fell on bad times in 2015, he did not stay down for long as he returned to the main squad and in between played at the World Cup 2014 under late Coach Stephen Keshi. He was in the Nigeria squad that played Iran on June 16.

    He was to return to the national team after five years in 2019 after he had moved to Granada and playing well again in the La liga.

    He recalled with nostalgia, his goal that sealed victory for Granada in the 2-0 win over almighty Barcelona.

    “Scoring against Barcelona was a great thing. We were impressive in that game and it gave me a good feeling. Playing in the La liga has broadened my horizon. I understand La Liga better now. We play like a team and for each other.

    “Before that game, no one believed in us that we could win that game. Before we went for the warm up, even before then, in the days leading up to that game we knew the team we were up against and that was enough motivation for us. In training, we were fired up because we had to double our preparation.

    You could feel it in training. When the game started, we did not know we would score but I was the one on the spot and actually thought it was in the net before I got there. All I did was to touch the ball into the net. But after the replay I realised I touched the ball into the net and that was awesome. After 45 minutes, the coach said we would make history today and at the end of the game we did make history. I received a lot of calls that day that I spoiled many bets against us. It was a great moment.”

    The win, Azeez said boosted the confidence of team after two years in the wilderness before returning to top flight action in Spain.

    Last year June Granada drew 1-1 with Mallorca to secure their return to the Spanish top flight with a match to spare. The result left Granada second in the standings and five points ahead of third-placed Malaga who beat Albacete 2-1.

    Granada’s tally of 76 points made sure they could no longer be overhauled by either Malaga or fourth-placed Albacete, who both have 71 points and will enter a playoff.

    “We had a great 2019-20 season and we are happy because it was our first year upon return to La Liga. We hope that we can continue on that this season and build on our success of last year.”

    “During the 2019–20 season, Granada was a Copa del Rey semi-finalist, defeating the last season champion Valencia CF among others. The club finished the season with a historic 4-0 win over Athletic Club which allowed its first time classification to play the UEFA Europa League in history.

    SHORT AND SHARP WITH AZEEZ

    GRANADA’S PROMOTION

    I feel humbled to be here when we were down and came back to the La liga. It’s a great feeling and very happy to be part of it. To be back in La Liga after some years is a great feeling for me. I have contract with Granada till 2022 and this is due to the belief they have in me and my game.

    NATIONAL TEAMS

    Playing for the national team is a great feeling. I was in the team that won silver at the 2009 FIFA U17 World Cup. I played regularly and made my mark in that team. In 2011 I was invited to the U20 and played at the World Youth Championship where I also played as a regular. When I got the call up for the Super Eagles in 2014, I was elated because it was an opportunity to play at the highest point of football event; the World Cup. That experience was good.

    I cherish playing for the Super eagles because it is the highest level any player can think of to represent his country.

    I hope to return to the Super Eagles soonest because wearing Nigeria colour is always a priviledge for me, so whenever I am giving the opportunity to represent my country again, I will grab it.

    ROLE MODEL

    As a midfielder I have some great midfielder that I look up to. I understudy them to measure up to them too. One of them is Zinadine Zidane, Xavi Harnandez and Deco. They are all great players and playing in Spain gives me the opportunity to watch Xavi. He’s a delight to watch.

  • RAFIU LADIPO: How to revive Nigeria’s boxing glory

    RAFIU LADIPO: How to revive Nigeria’s boxing glory

    Dr. Abdulrafiu Ladipo, president of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C) and president general, Nigeria Football and other Sports Supporters’ Club (NFSC), speaks candidly on the state of boxing and the emergence of several supporters’ club in the country. Taiwo Alimi and Adeyinka Akintunde conducted the interview. 

    What would you make of the state of boxing in Nigeria? 

    It was boxing that first put Nigeria in the world of sport with the like of Hogan Kid Bassey, Dick Tiger, and Mojeed Maiyegun who won the bronze medal at the 1963 Olympics. We had Obisia Nwakpa, Dele Jonathan, Joe Lasisi, and Samuel Peters who made us proud in world boxing.

    Unfortunately, in the last fifteen years, boxing has not done well and that calls for concern. Since I became President of NBB of C, we have done like four World Championships of which Nigeria has won three.

    Right now we have our own Anthony Joshua who is in possession of four titles. He is a unified champion. We also have Efe Ajagba who has won all his 13 fights.

    In the lightweight category, we have good boxers even at home. What baffles me is how much attention and support the country is giving to our sportsmen; in football, track and field, boxing and others. It is when our sportsmen go out that they become stars. Even Joshua did not get his chance in Nigeria, till he got to Britain. It is not right. We must encourage and celebrate our sportsmen and women. The problem with Nigeria is that we don’t appreciate our talent.

    Take a cue from the Nigeria Supporters’ Club of which I am the head. No government support us.

    When we support, we are not just clapping, we are ambassadors of Nigeria. What keeps us is our love for the country. I don’t make money from the supporters clubs or boxing. I have my school, hotels and business and that is where I make my money.

    In 1994 and 1998, supporters club was adjudged to be the best in the world by FIFA.  It takes one’s initiative, wisdom, and commitment to do all these.

    How do you think that Nigeria’s sport glory can be regained? 

    Our government should change, and appreciate those giving us good name and image. If we want our sports to continue to rise, we must encourage our sportsmen.

    We must go back to our grassroots and concentrates on the youth. We must think of how to encourage our sports men and women.

    If we want our boxing to improve, we must look at the young ones like Rilwan ‘Real One’ Oladosu, Ridwan ‘Scorpion’ Oyekola and Oto ‘Joe Boy’ Joseph. They need encouragement.  Government should look beyond the amateurs who fight in Olympics and Commonwealth games for only three minutes.

    Our boxers must be encouraged to turn pro early so that they become world champions.

    What do you think keep Nigerian boxers going in-spite of the lack of encouragement from government?    

    What keeps them going is the spirit of Nigeria. You see, the Nigeria man never say die because he doesn’t believe in losing. They themselves are determined and this leads to success. Where are the modern day facilities, we don’t have it. I’ve been to several countries of the world where you see three to seven storey buildings housing gym equipments to train boxers and sportsmen. Tell me, how many standard gyms can you find in Nigeria?

    How about good trainers for the boxers, do we have them?

    We have average trainers because they still must go abroad to learn the new tricks in boxing. Boxing is a scientific, dynamic sport that doesn’t stay in one place. One must be open to new experience in order to understand the game.

    If you were a sportsman, what would have chosen; boxing of football?

    I did both but I stopped playing football when I had injury in my ankle. During our time, football was not as lucrative as it is today. Take Segun Odegbami for example, as brilliant as he was in his days, much money wasn’t there compared to what the young boys of today earn. They control millions of dollars. But thank God, I have my good means of living and I support football but don’t play it again.

    What do you think about the multiple supporters’ clubs springing up?

    When you are venturing into something that nobody gave a chance, they see you as a fool but the moment you start achieving success they want to start making money like you but unfortunately, supporters club don’t get money except you want to dupe and end up in jail. Some of them used to be our members; they misbehaved, and were dismissed. They want to get rich quick. I was the nation flag bearer for 13 years. It is only telling people that what I did is good enough for people to emulate.

    How is the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) reacting to this?

    I don’t want to blame the NFF because they are also ignorant of the problem and this has destroyed the unity or oneness in the supporters club. I have worked with various FA boards. Instead of the supporters club to go and cheer the players, they went to the World Cup in Russia to fight themselves and this demoralized the players from giving their best. If Ghana could have 72 various supporters club, and I went there to plead with them and the government put all of them under one umbrella, what stops Nigeria? For me, I have made my mark. I have done what none of them can, and will ever do. I moved the supporters club all over the world. That record cannot be beaten. I was the nation’s flag bearer for 13 years from the 1970s.

    What is your opinion on the coming of GOtv into Nigerian boxing?

    We must be grateful to GOtv for bringing sanity to the game. In the last three years, they have spent millions of naira not only in organizing tournaments, advertising but giving best boxers awards.

     

    The NextGen idea is the most interesting thing they have done by showcasing upcoming talented boxers, getting them identified and paying for their license.

    We’ve discovered over 100 young boxers through their programme. This outfit should be appreciated. God continue to bless them. If we have more of them, Nigeria will be better

    The minister of sports, Sunday Dare in galvanizing athletes, do you think he is on the right track?

    He is doing well for now. Perhaps he has seen what previous ministers did not see and he is encouraging athletes of yesteryears. He is supporting and encouraging old and young athletes. He is focused.

    I am aware that he is even trying to look into the supporters’ club. What happened to us against Argentina in Russia was that we were scattered, if we had been together, that penalty we did not get, and maybe we would have gotten it. Supporters’ club play behind-the-scene politics in a game.

    I am happy with the minister so far, I pray he continues to speak with athletes. I advise him to go to the archives in his office. There have been many suggestions on how to improve our sports. He should read them, take the good and remove the bad ones.

  • SUNDAY DARE: Daring to make a difference

    SUNDAY DARE: Daring to make a difference

    Our Reporter

    Time moves so fast  and it seemed  like yesterday when President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Mr. Sunday  Akin  Dare  as Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development but he has  tons of achievements just one year in office.

    Since assuming the reins, Dare has moved with the speed of light  by changing the dynamics of the Ministry that is often perceived as not only poorly funded, but problematic. He   renewed  vigour  and  desire  to  succeed  where  others  had  failed, innovation and urgency where others had stagnated and has changed so many wrong perceptions about Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.

    Dare  hit  the  ground  running  by  dusting  up  his  rich  contact-base  to  begin  the processes of restoring the confidence of the private sector with a Public Private Partnership  (PPP)  to  bring  about  a  revival  of  the  moribund  youth  and  ports sector.

    Despite all the hiccups, the last one year has seen fundamental changes in the youth and sports development sectors.

    The  Adopt  Campaign  has  received  widespread  public  commendation  with  a well-designed  programme; while   the  objectives  of  restoring, re-invigorating  and restoring sporting infrastructure to their lost glory is well saluted generality  of  Nigerians.

    For  the  first  time ever,  athletes  are  being  adopted  by  individuals,  corporate  bodies  and  state governments by providing them with direct funding for the Olympics. The  innovative initiative  would  ensure  podium  performances  by  our  athletes.

    The Adopt-a-Pitch initiative has seen to the near completion of the Daura Township Stadium through the support of Chief Adebutu Kesington. Work has  commenced on the football pitch of  the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja through the support  of  Alhaji  Aliko  Dangote, and the  Ahmadu  Bello    Stadium,  Kaduna  will  be wearing a new look courtesy of  the  intervention by the  Kaduna State Governor  Malam Nasir El-Rufai.

    A task force has begun work at the National Stadium, Surulere, in a bid to return the stadium back to its original masterplan ahead of the concession process. In addition, the minister has secured assurances from a  philanthropist  to rehabilitate some facilities at the stadium. The Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan is set for a facelift as well.

    Perhaps, the greatest impact is the repositioning of sports from mere recreation to business.  This  would  open  limitless  opportunities  in  Public  Private  Partnership, infrastructural  development,  merchandising,  sponsorship,  television  rights, marketing, branding, content and ultimately better welfare for the athletes.

    In  the  last  one  year,  Dare  has  restored  confidence  into  the  sector  with  the midwifing of the Sports Industry Policy which would bring fundamental changes in the sports sector while giving impetus to the welfare of athletes.

    During the Covid-19 lockdown, he distributed welfare packages to athletes and youth, assisted the mothers of late players like Rashidi Yekini, Samuel Okwaraji, Ali Jeje, and quarter miler  Sunday Bada.

    He  had  earlier  paid  for  the  surgery  of  female  basketball  player  Nkem Akaraiwe,  and picked  part  of  the  hospital  bill  of  former  Green  Eagles  player  Kadiri Ikhana who went through surgery for backpain.

    He also extended the same gesture to ailing former Super Eagles defender Sunday Eboigbe and boxer Jerry Okorodudu. He paid for the mouth surgery of table tennis legend Funke Oshonaike and supported young boxing sensations Sekinat and   Sultan Adekoya under the Adopt-an-Athlete initiative.

    Dare  has  also  made  giant  strides  with  the  resuscitation  of  the  Principal’s  Cup, Headmaster’s Cup, and the introduction of the Unity Cup.

    The otherwise forgotten long distance races in Pankshin and Mambila Plateau are set for revival and with it, hope for a resurgence in Nigeria’s performance in this event.

    The revival of the Hall of Fame will not only create an enduring legacy but  inspire  the  younger  generation  to  emulate  past  sporting  heroes. The establishment of the Outdoor Hall of Fame is not only symbolic, but an enduring legacy to immortalize Nigeria’s sporting legends.

    The berthing of the Sports Industry Policy would bring fundamental changes to the  sports  development  in  Nigeria  with  its  attendant  impact on the national economy.

  • ADESANYA: I’m loud because i’m Nigerian

    ADESANYA: I’m loud because i’m Nigerian

    Taiwo Alimi captures the inspiring story of Israel Adesanya and how a freckled-faced Lagos lad refused to give up his fighting ambition from Nigeria to Kiwi country New Zealand.  

     

    Nigerian-born UFC middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya loves to talk tough. Like Jackie Chan, one of his boyhood icons, he knows how to entertain his audience. He is not only fast with his hands but also with his tongue sometimes calling time on his fights. Still undefeated after 20 fights WITH 15 KO, Adesanya often rambles out in his native Yoruba dialect while eulogising his awesome hand and leg strikes that have been describes as one of the fastest in the trade.

    GROWING UP

    Adesanya knew what he wanted from teenager and if he had not make it as a fighter, perhaps he would have been in big trouble fighting.

    Recalling his humble background from backstreet Lagos; Nigeria’s most populous metropolitan. “I was born in Lagos and really a handful for my parents because all I wanted to do is to fight. I enrolled into karate classes at the Surulere National Stadium as soon as I could get there on my own but my mum wasn’t happy. In fact she made me stop going when I began to kick things around the house.”

    His younger brother, David, corroborated his words; “He was always the most rebellious. My parents could not get him to do what they wanted him to do, and even if they did, he really didn’t like it.”

    When Adesanya did not show enough attention to school, his parents who lived from hand to mouth decided to enrol him as a mechanic apprentice, but he wouldn’t hear of it.

    “I was not afraid to tell them (his parents) that I won’t do it,” said Adesanya who said of his parents “My mother was a nurse, my father an entrepreneur—a hustler, working in everything from dries cleaning to real estate.”

    “At a point he found something he’s really interested in; dancing and he became a member of a group always going out to dance. He’s always been obsessed with performing,” David said.

    Adesanya and his family left the country when he was 11. The original plan was to move to the United States, but it was 2001, and 9/11 put an end to that idea. Instead, they pulled up stakes for New Zealand, where his family believed the schools would be better.

    NEW ZEALAND

    Upon arrival in New Zealand, Adesanya resumed his passion for karate sparked by his great mentors Ong-Bak, Jackie Chan and Anderson Silva, whom he must have seen more than a hundred times on television and internet.

    “Everybody hails Bruce Lee, but Jackie Chan is who put me on [to martial arts],” he said. “I liked the way he fought, it was more comical. Bruce Lee mesmerized, but Jackie Chan was lit. He enrolled at another gym and kept going back until he was accepted.

    AMATEUR STAGE

    Now that he has found what he wanted to do, he quickly move ahead to make his amateur kickboxing debut in 2008. The opponent was far larger than the untested Adesanya.

    “My first fight was nerve-wracking,” he admitted. “I was scared. As soon as I got to the ring, I saw why the guy wasn’t at weigh-ins. Do you remember David Tua? He had that same high-top fade, and he was almost as big. He was supposed to be 80 kilograms (176 pounds), but he was about 93 kilograms (205 pounds). My coach took the fight anyway without asking because he knew I’d get worried.”

    No algorithmic shortcut can tell you how you’ll perform in those kinds of situations, with real bodily harm staring you squarely in the face. That data is purely experiential. Adesanya got in there.

    “I was clean and cold,” he said. “No one could tell anything from my face. I hit him with a teep [kick] within the first 10 seconds, and it gave me the confidence to keep going and get the win.”

    Israel Adesanya
    Israel Adesanya

    By 2016 Adesanya had become a household name in kickboxing amassing a 32-0 record as an amateur, then achieving 75-5 while a professional, with 48 KO’s.

    He had tried out his hands in boxing with a record 5-1 knockout before switching.

    His impressive and entertaining fighting skill attracted Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) where you can freely exhibit boxing, karate, and muaythai skills.

    He joined UFC in 2018 and within two years has done 20 fights winning all with 15 KO’s.

    Last Saturday Adesanya got the whole world taking after knocking out Paulo Costa in his second-round victory at UFC 253.

    The fight in Abu Dhabi became the largest ever PPV (pay-per-view) event of the UFC in New Zealand.

    A record number of fans purchased the event on Sky Arena, Sky Sports, while the second-highest number of commercial venues around the country broadcasted the PPV event to its patrons. It wa also the third-highest performing PPV event overall in new Zealand, behind the all Kiwi heavyweight boxing showdown between David Tua and Shane Cameron in 2009, and Joseph Parker world heavyweight unification title bout against Anthony Joshua in 2018.

    Adesanya is not only famous but has also made a fortune fighting. Multiple reports suggest Adesanya worth at $2million US Dollars based on money won in his 19 career fights.

    In his stunning UFC middleweight title defence against Costa, he received just above $1.053million.

    PRIDE OF NAIJA

    Adesanya, however, attributed his loquacious and winning culture to his home country; Nigeria. “I think, being Nigerian, that culture, we’re not a shy bunch,” If I’m generalizing, when a Nigerian walks into a room, you’ll know. We don’t dim our shine or talk ourselves down for anyone. In Nigeria, we’re very comfortable expressing our confidence and being passionate people.”

    “We have a lot of values,” he said. “Some things are as simple as manners. I meet people sometimes and they walk past you without saying ‘Hello’ what do you say to your parents when you wake up in the morning? You acknowledge them. In the Western world, it’s not always something everyone does.

    “But,” he added, “With a fight, you’re trying to fight me, so it’s a different situation. If I’m fighting, f–k your manners.”

    Paul Egonu, President of Nigeria Muaythai Federation, acknowledging Adesanya skill, called on Nigerian government and promoters to make his next fight happen in Nigeria.

    “I don’t know him one on one. There are people that know him but I became one of his followers when I noticed his style that is very much in touch with muaythai. Most of his techniques are muaythai techniques and I’m delighted that he’s doing well.

     

    PROFILE: FROM GRASS TO GRACE 

    Israel Adesanya
    Israel Adesanya

    Israel Adesanya started training in kickboxing when he was 18 years old. His inspiration for kickboxing arose after seeing a Thai film named Ong-Bak based on Muaythai sport. After taking up Muaythai in Whanganui under Derek Broughton, at the age of 21 in 2001 Israel moved to Auckland, New Zealand with his family. Adesanya then began his professional kickboxing career at City Kickboxing in New Zealand. There he trained himself under Eugene Bareman with other established MMA fighters such as Dan Hooker, Kai Kara-France and Alexander Volkanovski. He went on to stockpile a terrific amateur kickboxing record. He went unbeaten over 32 fights before moving to China to reside and fight.

    In the year 2016, the Nigerian boxer won the Glory 34 middleweight contender tournament in Denver. Though he could not win the championship, this match made people see him as one of the best strikers in the world. In the year 2017, Israel defeated veteran Melvin Guillard and marked his 10th victory. He won the Australian Fighting Championship middleweight belt for that. He also won the King of the Ring 86 Cruiserweights Tournament twice and the heavyweight tournament once in his career.

    The 30-year-old Nigerian striker ended his kickboxing career with two losses in it. Brazilian Alex Pereira defeated Adesanya at Glory of Heroes 7 in 2017. This loss broke the winning streak of Israel. In his entire career, this was Israel’s only defeat through knockout. His second loss was against Jason Wilnis at Glory 37. His last bout was against Stuart Dare before entering the UFC.

    The professional combat fighter made his debut in UFC in February 2018 with proper experience of almost six years as a combat sports fighter. UFC spotted the Nigerian seeing his flamboyant style and athletic kicks. His strikes, moves, and attacks are something that makes him stand out amongst all other boxers. He is considered to be an entertainment package and a threat at the same time in the field of boxing.