Category: SOS

Standing at a full 6.5 inches with raw muscles, Ajibade Babalade, the former Super Eagles and Shooting Stars defender, naturally inspires confidence and strength among his peers and fans, but he has revealed that he got his buoyancy and inspiration from late Stephen Keshi, the Super Eagles skipper and coach.

Once, Babalade, as a rookie national team player, got to share a room with the likable libero and that experience inspired him to strive for greatness on and off the field.

The ‘Keshi-magic’ happened when Keshi was seen as the capon of the infamous Super Eagles’ mafia  and could determine who made the final list due to his influence in the team and with the coach.

The Ibadan-based, who now works with his former club, Shooting Stars as Team Manager said he would forever be grateful to Keshi for his kindness and making him believe in himself.

“My role models are Franco Baresi and Stephen Keshi,” Ajibade who recently marked his 50th anniversary told The Nation.“Once,  I had the experience of sharing a room with Stephen Keshi in the national camp and it was as if I was living with a king. I had to sleep so close to the wall because I was afraid of touching him.

“There was a case when I wanted to wash his jersey and he restrained me telling me that I will also become a special person. After the match against Togo when he was going back to Belgium, he gave me his kits and boots. I was so happy. Keshi was not arrogant; he was a born leader.

“Keshi led by example. I was very happy to play with him and be his roommate. It was a great honour to even share the same defence line with him. Stephen Keshi was a born leader.

“They say he (Keshi)  was the chief mafia; I have to say that in any society, organization or group you will still find caucuses, but Keshi did not disparage anybody. He inspired me and I will always be grateful to him. May his soul continue to rest in peace?” 

Speaking with Olanrewaju Agiri, Babalade practically opened up his cubbyhole to talk about growing up, family, wife, and the journey to stardom and aspiration.

 

What is growing uplike and tell us about your journey intofootball?

I grew up in Lagos.I attended Seventh Day Adventist Primary School, Abule Oja very close to the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and then to Igbobi College. I gained admission to Igbobi College in 1980 and I finished in 1985.When I was so young, all I wanted was just to play football. My dad objected to it, he did not want me to play football but there wasnothing he could do about it. It’s a God given talent. My father resented the idea of me playing football. When I was in form one, Iused to play with my seniors. I played as a mercenary, and I got paid for doing that. One of my seniors then at Igbobi College, Lagos saw meone day and told me, ‘you will go places’. After abouteleven years, we met again in Abidjan. He asked me if I rememberedwhat he told me some years back, that one day I was going to representNigeria.

What about your family background?

I am from Iye-Ekiti. Both my parents are also from there. I don’t know how the two of them met themselves in Lagos. My mother was born and brought up in Ebute Metta, Lagos. My dad relocated to Lagos when he was about 17 years. My father is Israel Folorunso Babalade. He was a Nursing Superintendent at the National Orthopaedic Hospital Igbobi for 35 years and he was president of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Lagos State for 15 years.

I am from a polygamous family. My dad had four wives. Presently, twoare dead. My dad is late too and I have many stepbrothersand sisters.I was so close to my mother than my dad. If my dad should ask of ten naira from me, it means that I would have given my mum about a thousand naira. My dad and I still had a good cordial relationship but you cannot compare the love I had for my mother with my dad.

How did you meet your wife?

I met her here in Ibadan in 1992. Then I just signed for Shooting Stars. Dotun Alatise and I were driving in a BMW car I was using thenand we drove through Onireke area, very close to her office. When I

saw her, I stopped and requested to lift her and she said no. I didnot take no for an answer too and I told my friend not to move. I had to plead with her before she finally succumbed. I followed her home and she said her name as  Ngozi but because of her fluency in the Yoruba language, I never knew she is from Eastern part of the country. From there, we started dating and got married in 1994, June 12th. I won’t forget that date. What attracted her to me is her height. She is tall and very beautiful. Laterwhen we got to know each other better, I discovered that she isindustrious, hardworking and respectful. She was working with her mumin her shop. The way she does her things, endeared her to me.

How did you propose to her?

It was 1993. By then we were still dating. Her father called me and asked me if I wanted to get marry to his daughter or the relationshipwas just a fling. I told him that I wanted to marry her. He advised me

to speed things up and show some level of seriousness. My mother on her own was so tired of me bringing home different types of girls andshe asked me to settle down and get married. Funny enough, one day,while relaxing the bed she brought a calendar and asked me to choose adate. We both chose the date and to the glory of God, we got marriedon that day. Our expectation on our wedding daywas tolive for better and for worse. We want to grow old together. Our marriage is about 24years now and there has never been any problem.

Have you been able to realize those expectations?

Yes, lots. I happen to be the first person to take her out of theshores of this country to South Korea. When I was in Austria too, shefollowed me. She has been to many countries of the world and presentlyshe is in the United States with the children.

Has there been any time you thought of calling off your marriage dueto one problem or the other?

Somehow, but not to the extent of contemplating a divorce.

Can you describe her strong and weak points?

Her greatest strength is in her courage. If anything happens to her,she takes it in good faith. Her greatest weakness is her anger andthat is my own greatest weak point too. I am quick to get angry too,

but for her now, she has really changed. Maybe because she knows thatwe are both quick to anger. We need to be very careful, so she tookthe path of change. I am trying to work on my temperament too.

Did this quick temper help you out in the field of play between your coaches and teammates?

I tried to comport myself a lot because I wanted to make a career outof football. Being shown a red card every time will spoil someone’sfootball career.

How did you cope with family life while playing actively?

It has not been easy because here in Nigeria, when we were here in thecountry, we used to see each other except when I travel out of Ibadan.

When I was in South Korea, for about six months I didn’t see myfamily. It was as if the whole world was coming down. I had to tell myclub that I wanted to come down with my whole family. The clubprovided the ticket for my family to join me in South Korea.

How did you keep your family together?

You know in life, you experience ups and down. Sometimes, you targetthings that you might end up not getting. Sometimes, miraculously itcomes to pass. The only thing in life is that whatever comes your way,you just have to thank God. With my wife and children, I thank God because He has been so magnanimous and good to me. In spite of the countlesschallenges, I believe there is still family bond.

I see this in some of my friends like MutiuAdepoju, Ike Shorunmu. The bond is still there in the way they relatewith their families. If you see some of my step brothers, you cannot differentiate because we look alike. They are muscular the same way.In a polygamous family, it is not as if you will never encounter anyproblem, you will have it but presently, I don’t think there is suchin my family.

Why is it that sportsmen prefer their families to stay abroad while they live at home?

Things are better back home. Life is more expensive over there. Maybe it is because of the type of life, they are used to. For example, electricity over there is stable.

Do you intend to follow in the footsteps of your dad?

I don’t pray for that because before my dad died he told me never totry polygamy in my life. I know the reason behind it. It is because hehas seen it all. He advised me to settle any problem between my wifeand I. he told me as a matter of fact that my wife is a good woman andI will enjoy her till I die except the fault comes from one. Thisadvice is based on the fact that my wife was so close to both my parents. I have never had it at the back of my mind to get married toa second wife.

Most people believe celebrities; sports men and women inclusive are promiscuous, why is this so?

It is not only celebrities. Whether it is true or not, I can’t answerthat. I know people do it a lot. It is as if the light is shining onthe celebrity because your face is known everywhere.

What is your advice for younger players considering the high rate of scandals and divorces among sports celebrities?

It is not all about going to the altar to get married. You have tolove who you want to get married to. You guys have to court and knoweach other very well before jumping into it. Marriage is like a bond,it is like a long term business partnership where you can’t just optout anyhow. There are some marriages in which both parties are noteven happy and there are married to each other just to bear the name

Mr and Mrs The advice is that they must know themselves, know andunderstand each other very well. Stick to one wife. We cannot all befaithful to our wives because men will always be like men.”

While playing professional, which was your most memorable match?

It was playing against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadiumduring a UEFA Champions League match. This also was my childhood dreamclub and there was I playing on their pitch. I still haveClarenceSeedorf’s jersey till today; we exchanged jerseys after the game.

Playing career

In Nigeria, I played for Golf FC now Chevron, then Ajibulu FC then in Lagos but we played all our league matches in Ogun State. I ran away to Akure and played for both Investment Corporation and Housing of

Akure. I came back to join Stationery Stores in 1989. We won the F.A. Cup in 1990. I joined Iwuanyanwu Nationale of Owerri in 1997 and then Shooting Stars Sports Club in 1992. I joined Africa Sports of Abidjan in 1993 and still comeback to Shooting Stars in 1995. Then we won the F.A and the Charity Cup. In 1996, we were in the Champions League finals where we lost to Zamalek of Egypt. In 1997, I was in South Korea for two years. I also went to Austria and had the opportunity of playing in the EUFA Champions League. My club was in the same group with Inter Milan of Italy, Sparta Moscow and Real Madrid of Spain.

Thank God I had the opportunity of seeing and playing against Ronaldolima of Brazil, Raul Gonzalez of Spain, Clarence Seedorf of Netherland. I also took pictures with them. It was a sweet experience for me that I can never forget in my life. I was capped 27 times for the national team, Super Eagles. I didn’t record any goals playing for Nigeria but I scored many for my club sides.

I played with Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini, Mutiu Adepoju, Thomson Oliha, Ike Shorunmu, Austin Egueavon, the 1992 Senegal African Nations cup and both world cup and nations cup qualifier.

I was in Senegal 1992 African Nations Cup. I got injured there I played the opening match against Senegal (2-1), against Kenya (2-1). I was injured against Congo (1-0). I played against Ghana (1-2), I was givena red card in that match.

What is your future plan?

I have been thinking about it a lot. Thank God my children are brilliant. The first is Segun Chukwuemeka Babalade, 24 years old. Yemisi Chinyere, 21 years old and Nnamdi Tosin, he is 16 years old. My plans for them are great but I have to put them into the hands of the Lord. As for me, I want to rise to the higher level in football management. I want to be a very good soccer administrator. I am dreaming of seeing myself in the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and work for this country. And I want to give back to the society and the younger ones.

 

As we set sight on the forthcoming FIFA World Cup, MORAKINYO ABODUNRIN traces the trajectory of Francis Odinaka Uzoho from his days in the national U-17 set up and why the 19-year-old Deportivo La Coruna’s goal minder is Super Eagles’ best hope at Russia 2018.

Lucky could well be added to Francis Odinaka Uzoho’s name bearing in mind the teenage goalkeeper’s fortuitous pilgrimage from the Golden Eaglets to the Super Eagles.

Five years ago, Uzoho was never in the equation with the FIFA U-17 World Cup-bound Nigeria U-17 team to the United Arab Emirates but he eventually enplaned and was part of the team that wrought the Golden Eaglets’ fourth global cadet trophy in Abu Dhabi. This term, it seems, lightning is about to strike again since the 19-year-old Deportivo La Coruna’s goaltender is now being tipped for the Super Eagles’ Number 1 shirt at the forthcoming FIFA World Cup Russia 2018.

With just three international caps under his belt against Argentina, Poland and Serbia, Uzoho is now one of the Super Eagles’ talking points ahead of Russia 2018 as he contends the spot with the likes of

Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Enyimba), Dele Ajiboye (Plateau United), Dele Alampasu (CD Feirense) and Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United).

“Nigeria today has the youngest team in the World Cup with 24.9 years of average age,” Super Eagles’ Franco-German coach Gernot Rohr said, when he handed Uzoho his first cap as a second half substitute in the 4-2 thrashing of Argentina in a pre-World Cup friendly against Argentina at the Stadion FK Krasnodar in Russia last November. “The figure may be even lower in Russia, as we spotted a 19-year-old goalkeeper in La Coruna (Uzoho).”

Uzoho’s emergence into the Super Eagles months after others had secured the ticket to the World Cup was nothing but a miracle reminiscent of his adventure with the Golden Eaglets five years ago .

“Odinaka is my middle name and it means ‘it’s in the hands of God,’”Uzoho told this writer during an exclusive video-recorded interview at the Al-Jawhara Hotel in Dubai days before Golden Eaglets’ departure for their FIFA U-17 World Cup opener against Mexico in Al Ain. “I believe there is a reason for me to be here; and I think it’s just by miracle  that I’m here with the way I came into the team.”

Very few Nigerian goalkeepers have had an impressive start of their career in Europe as Uzoho’s with Deportivo La Coruna.

He was reportedly born in Nwangele (Imo State) and he joined Qatari Aspire Academy at the age of 14. He started as a striker but was converted into a goalkeeper after being deemed “too slow”.

In 2016, he joined Deportivo de La Coruna’s juvenile squad after an impressive outing at a tournament in Barcelona and was handed a contact as a professional by Deportivo in January 2017.

Promoted to the reserve team ahead of the 2017–18 season, he made his senior debut on 10 September by starting in a 3–0 Segunda División B home win against Real Madrid Castilla.

Uzoho made his first team – and La Liga – debut on October 15,  2017 starting in a 0–0 away draw against SD Eibar making him the youngest ever foreign goalkeeper to debut in La Liga at the age of 18 years and 352 days and the second-youngest player to appear in the league during the campaign, only behind Real Madrid’s Achraf Hakimi.

Remarkably, Uzoho has repeatedly revealed the secrets of his rise with his philosophical postings on his insta account (uzoho4sure1).

“How bad do you want it? It’s your journey and your story,” he said after he signed for Depor.“ You might have had it tough, but where you start doesn’t mean anything, all that matters is where you finish.”

He was also forthcoming on his debut for Depor: “A day that will never disappear from my memory#MY DEBUT#Forza Depor#Thanks everyone for your support.IN CHRIST ALONE.”

A deeply religious guy, Uzoho must have hearkened to the Biblical injunction that ‘from the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks’ insisting: “Win the war against FEAR and you can achieve anything.”

 

Meanwhile, insiders in the Super Eagles camp believe the elements are truly in favour of Uzoho at this time to nick the number 1 shirt in Russia 2018 since other contenders are befuddled with one problem or the other.

“Unless Uzoho breaks his legs, he will be the Super Eagles’ goalkeeper in Russia,” an official who pleaded for anonymity told The Nation.

“Coach Gernot Rohr is rightly disposed to the boy and you don’t need a soothsayer to know he’s favoured; he was the only one out of all the goalkeepers that we have that Rohr sent the Italian goalkeeper trainer (Enrico Pionetti) to go and work with at his club in Spain.

“Of course, Uzoho has glaring lapses but Rohr has already made up his mind about working with him at the World Cup. He (Rohr) believes Uzoho can be knocked into shape at the pre-World Cup training camp ahead of Russia 2018.”

It was learnt also that Uzoho has stood out amongst his peers due to his courageous attitude. “Frankly, Ezenwa is the most experienced of all the goalkeepers we have now after we lost Carl Ikeme to leukaemia. Unfortunately, he got injured at the CHAN in Morocco and has not recovered well ever since. Ajiboye too has not fared too well with Plateau United and I also think Rohr was disappointed when Akpeyi was not available when we played Poland.

“Uzoho has shown enough bravery over the period of time and looking like Super Eagles’ best bet in Russia,” he said.

Speaking in the same vein, former Nigerian international and Golden Eaglets’ assistant coach, Nduka Ugbade, who facilitated Uzoho’s invitation to the national team setup in 2013 was further forthcoming:

“One of the reasons Odinaka (I love that name) was picked in 2013 was because he was very good at aerial balls with good time to catch or punch the balls coming into the box and I think he has improved tremendously in his last three matches with the Super Eagles.

“He’s very strong at catching balls with good timing, also quick at going down for ground balls as against what many people would expect for a tall goalkeeper. Also his diving ability is one of his good qualities; he’s quick to react on one-on-one situation.”

He continued on Uzoho’s suitability for Russia 2018: “I very much think Uzoho can do the business for the Super Eagles in Russia and with the way things are now, he might be the best option for Nigeria since we have not been able to get another goalkeeper better than him at this moment.

“We have seen other goalkeepers and I would want you to judge who is better for now, at least a well-polished goalkeeping skills and goalkeeping finesse and with absolute confidence in goal.

“Having said all this about the young man, I would want him to know that the world will be watching, and the coaches that had given him this great opportunity must not be disappointed. This he must know.

“I honestly hope he is able to do very well in our next few games before the World Cup and I think this will give him more exposure and better experience before Russia 2018.”

Similarly,  Bode Oguntuyi, a respected sport journalist, speaking after Super Eagles last two pre-Russia 2018 internationally tune-up matches believes Uzoho is also good enough for the World Cup: “The first thing we have learnt from Super Eagles’ recent matches is that goalkeeper Uzoho is good than we earlier thought. Though a 19-year-old, he was jittery in the first game. Late into the game against Serbia, he made awesome saves and he’s going to get better in that set up.”

Overtime, Uzoho has shown his puritanical devotion to his goalkeeping duties from his early days and Dr. Ayodeji Olarinoye captured the rise of the teenager in this manner: “Life is all about destiny; from all indications Uzoho might be the one in goal (for the Super Eagles) at the World Cup and that will be a good one for him.  I listened to Rohr during the pre-match briefing against Serbia and he said: ‘our goalkeeper was in goal against Argentina for 45mins, kept a clean slate, and also against Poland. He seems to prefer him.”

Similarly, Coach Manu Garba noted with a philosophical caveat: “He (Uzoho) has really developed having gotten experience playing in Europe. We still have some days before the World Cup and I think only the Super Eagles’ coach, his performance and form before the World Cup as well as destiny will determine if he will be Nigeria’s goalkeeper at the World Cup in Russia.”

 

Uzoho: ‘I’m in the hands of God’

Captured in a video-recorded interview at the Al-Jawhara Hotel in Dubai ahead of the FIFA U-17 World Cup UAE 2013, Francis Odinaka Uzoho spoke about his humble beginning with MORAKINYO ABODUNRIN and his views are still germane as we set eyes on Russia 2018. Excerpts…

What is the meaning of your name, Odinaka?

Odinaka is my middle name and it means ‘it’s in the hands of God.’

Your name has a deep meaning; can we say the Golden Eaglets are in safe hands with Odinaka?

Yes.

Why do you think so?

The way I came into the team; I believe there is a reason for me to be here and I think it’s just by miracle that I’m here.

What do you mean by miracle, are you not good enough to be in the team?

“I’m not saying I’m not good enough; I’m just referring to the way I found my way into the team. I was not there from the beginning when the team played the qualifiers, played in the continental competition and qualified for the World Cup. There were  lot of goalkeepers that came before me and they were not picked, and here I’m; I was called when I did not even expect;  I was called to come and try out and  to me, it was a miracle that I made the team.

This team is going to the World Cup, how ready is Odinaka?

With my form now, I’m really ready for the tournament.  I’m ready if I’m called for a match tomorrow because I know the team is ready.

Who do you think would carry this team at the World Cup?

I think all of us in this team are good. I have to tell the truth and I know that our front, I mean the attack, is very good with players like Kelechi Iheanacho, Success Isaac, Musa Yahaya and Chidera Eze. Our midfield is good and I also know our skippo, Musa (laughs, I don’t even know his surname).

You were very quiet when you came into the team but suddenly, especially in the last few days, you have turned out to be the cheer leader always singing and clapping ; where did you get this new-found spirit?

I got this spirit from all my teammates. My Ibo brothers also encouraged me when my morale was down but lately they all encouraged me that I should give my best, and as fate would have it for me, I started enjoying the camp and giving out my best.

You said your morale was low, what happened to you?

I was doing very well when I came into the team but suddenly my game dropped. I can’t explain what caused it, but suddenly, I got my form back.  I thank God for that and I believe the team has so much confidence in me too.

Talking about your height, how do you feel when other players walk past you; what do they call you?

The usual name everybody calls me wherever I have played is ‘the tallest boy’ and they make funny comments and sometimes they say ‘you are too tall, give us road to pass.’ We usually joke about it.

 

From Golden Eaglets to Super Eagles

Dateline: September 2013. The Golden Eaglets were rounding off their training session this wet morning when a lanky boy strolled into the practising pitch of the U.J Esuene Stadium in Calabar much to the consternation of everyone in attendance.

Clutching a bag and decked in a brown jacket that has seen some useful days, you’ll be forgiven to dismiss the upstart as a fiery preacher on the prowl than a World Cup-bound goalkeeper. That was the manner Francis Odinaka Uzoho began his odyssey with the national team set up.

Uzoho’s arrival along with few others was barely few weeks to the announcement of a 30-man squad for the Golden Eaglets’ pre-World Cup camp to Dubai after the loss of some key players to the mandatory Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Test. But it was Uzoho that instantly drew canny attention from officials and even other players for obvious reasons.

“Francis Uzoho was invited after we have qualified for the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup; this was due to the fact that three out of the four goalkeepers we had in camp failed the MRI test and I think he came on good recommendation because he was then at the Aspire Academy,” recalled Emeka Amadi (MFR), former Nigerian youth international and Germany-trained goalkeeper. “I remember the first day he (Uzoho) came into camp and Coach Nduka Ugbade screamed on sighting him: ‘Odinaka, how come you are now this tall; this is simply unbelievable.’

“According to Ugbade, Uzoho’s transformation was incredible because he was such a ‘tiny’ lad when he trained him a year before for the Copa Coca-Cola in Lagos but I was impressed with his body build and physique.

“There were doubts but then again I was impressed with his height and zeal to learn; he was a young talented goalkeeper without many basics and when I observed his behaviour and character in the camp, I was convinced that he was really a young boy. Eventually, he was one of the players that had a good MRI result.

“We did a lot of extra training to bring him to the standard and I remember convincing our chief coach, Manu Garba, that he will be a good goalkeeper in future and that his height is an added advantage,” added the former Hannover’96 goalkeeper.

Similarly, Dr Ayodeji Olarinoye, the erstwhile Golden Eaglets’ medical doctor who was recently appointed a Doping Control Officer (DCO) by the world soccer governing body, FIFA, equally offered an insight about Uzoho’s humble beginning.

“We lost some players to our periodic MRI screening and Coach Ugbade informed the technical crew that there was a young goalkeeper he had seen in Lagos but it’s been a long time,” explained Olarinoye, a member of the American College of Sports Medicine and British Association of Sports & Exercise Medicine.

“He (Odinaka) was later contacted but on seeing him, Coach Ugbade said he was surprised at his height as he wasn’t as tall the last time he saw him but Uzoho would later be one of the youngest members of the group as reported  by MRI.

“He struggled a bit initially and I remember discussing with the goalkeepers’ coach (Emeka Amadi) who assured he had the right foundation to build on and he can be one of the best goaltenders in the world if he works hard.”

Yet Uzoho’s rise as a contender for the Super Eagles’ number 1 shirt for the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 has elicited much interest far and wide with some claims on social media platform that he looked older than a 19-year-old teenager.

“My sincere view is that the MRI scan for age determination isn’t 100% poof that a player is U17. I know it has reduced age cheating significantly,” Olarinoye further told The Nation Sport from Cardiff where he’s undergoing a higher degree course in sports and exercise medicine. “In other system (countries), they would have investigated the phenomenal growth of the boy, but I think his humble background affected his growth and he just ballooned with good diet at Aspire. Of course, exposure to good nutrition at Aspire should have contributed to his growth.”

Meanwhile, Coach Garba was informative about the qualities he saw in Uzoho and why the lad was included in the 2013 World Cup squad alongside with Dele Alampasu and Suleiman Abdullahi, even as he dismissed cynical comments about the veracity of the age of his former ward.

“He (Odinaka) was picked for the 2013 World Cup because he was able to deal with high balls. Due to his height, we felt we can work on him to serve as a cover for the other two goalkeepers in camp,” Garba told The Nation Sport. “Everyone is entitled to their opinions (about the age of Odinaka), but some of us that saw Odinaka three to four years back will say he is within that range; in fact, we were afraid the velocity of the ball might push him inside the net if anyone took a ferocious shot because he looked quite young and very fragile.”

Equally, Golden Eaglets’ goalkeeper trainer, Amadi, added his opinion: “It was not easy task picking the three goalkeepers (Dele Alampasu; Suleiman Abdullahi and Francis Odinaka Uzoho) for the World Cup.

“The first consideration was about the quality and how good is the goalkeeper? The second consideration was the state of mind of the goalkeeper and this has to be good; ability to play in the team and ability to compose you.

“The mind to know that the goalkeeper has to contribute his quota to the success of the team and thirdly, the player in question must show the ability to know what to do at every point in time, when to launch the attack ;when to keep the ball to the advantage of the team and how to motivate the team.

“He possessed the qualities of a professional goalkeeper; tall, agile, a leader, motivator and very crazy. A goalkeeper must be crazy because you are always alone and must be fearless, a master – a boss.”

In the meantime, Uzoho himself admitted that it was a miracle that he made the Golden Eaglets’ squad to the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2013, insisting that there was a divine intervention on his behalf.

He further defended his choice by the coach Garba-led technical crew as one of the three goalkeepers for the global cadet championship:   “I’m not saying I’m not good enough; I’m just referring to the way I found my way into the team. I was not there from the beginning when the team played the qualifiers, played in the continental competition and qualified for the World Cup.

“There were a lot of goalkeepers that came before me and they were not picked, and here I’m; I was called when I did not even expect. I was called to come and try out and, to me, it was a miracle that I made the team.”

Though he was unused substitute throughout as the Golden Eaglets went all the way and deservedly won the FIFA U-117 Wold Cup with a thrilling 3-0 thrashing of defending champions, Mexico, in the final match, Uzoho’s road to stardom was truly well on the way as he joined the Deportivo La Coruna’s juvenile side after impressing at a tournament in Barcelona with the Aspire team.

Last October, he made his official debut and his contribution was well acknowledged by the Spanish side on its web site: “Eibar-Dépor will be remembered for Francis’ debut. Pepe Mel took a chance with Francis as the starting goalkeeper; a decision that will go down in the history books. The Nigerian goalkeeper is the youngest foreign player to play a LaLiga match (18 years and 352 days old), hence Dépor has lined up the eldest player (Songo’o: 46 years and 67 days old) and the youngest.

“He is also the youngest foreign player in Dépor’s history to have defended #asnosascores (our colours) in Primera and the second youngest goalkeeper after Juan Acuña, who debuted when he was 18 years and 227 days old.”

No wonder, Uzoho, the newcomer of yesterday with the Golden Eaglets, is surely set for the stars in Russia 2018.

When Muisi Ajao arrived in South Africa from Cercle Brugge 21 years ago, little did he know he was navigating a path that would reshape his football career and endear him to greater things.

He later became a colossus in South African football, winning numerous titles with top dogs Mamelodi Sundowns after just one season at cross town rivals Kaizer Chiefs.

He epitomised the strong qualities of a modern day defender – passionate, calm, calculated, bullish, and disciplined.

But Ajao, who lives in South Africa’s Mpumalanga Province with his wife Andile and daughters Grace (15) and Abigail (13), also represents so much more in normal life – philanthropic, down to earth, God-fearing and a committed family man.

On a personal scale, his sojourn to South Africa paid huge, handsome dividends, and on a wider perspective, he contributed immensely to adding multiple values to a soccer league that has become the home of ambitious Nigerian players over the years.

Nicknamed ‘The Beast’ during an illustrious playing career that saw the Abeokuta-born sweeper plying his trade in Europe before settling in South Africa, the strong, hard tackling central defender says he drew inspiration from legendary former Super Eagles captain and head coach, the late Stephen Keshi.

“Keshi was very special because I was highly inspired by his style of play. I really adored him,” the 6’4 tall giant recalls. Interestingly, Ajao went on to play a number of matches for Nigeria under Stephen Keshi and Shaibu Amodu ahead of the 2002 World Cup, and ended his career on a platter, starring for clubs in Singapore, Qatar, China and Bahrain.

Ajao, who currently holds the fort as head coach of Castle League side TS Galaxy in the South African third tier, goes down memory lane in this revealing interview that touches on his personal life, his football career, journey into coaching and so much more. Muisi Ajao spoke to Mark Ogagan in Johannesburg, South Africa

 

Starting out as a soccer player

I was never encouraged to play the game. My family kicked against the idea, and I remember having problems with my parents who never wanted me to play soccer. Those days I used to sneak into the house, sometimes very late at night, after playing with my mates, and I get punished. But today the story is different.

Back home, the journey was never a smooth one, but I must mention that God used the late Alabi Aissien to spot some of us during my days at Julius Berger Feeders. From there he took four of us to Bendel Insurance where I signed the dotted lines to kick off my professional career. Unfortunately, the other three players were not signed.

After two seasons at Insurance, I tried to move to Shooting Stars, but it did not materialise, so I went back to Insurance. Some players kicked against me, so I had to move to DSC Aladja, but they ended up owing me so much money so I left. It was after that season that I was invited by Shooting Stars again. I remember that season they brought in a lot of big names like Friday Ekpo and the rest, but God favoured me and I signed.

From Shooting Stars, I came back to Insurance, then to Sharks. I was still with Sharks when Churchill Oliseh took me to Cercle Brugge in Belgium. After two years, I came to South Africa to sign for Kaizer Chiefs.

From Belgian voyage to  South African expedition

My coming to South Africa was purely circumstantial but I was able to integrate as quickly as possible. From Cercle Brugge, I was supposed to sign for Malaga in the Spanish La Liga, but unfortunately the club got relegated. In those days, visas were issued only to players going to the first league, so that’s how I missed the opportunity to play in Spain.

I was given red carpet treatment when I arrived here in SA. Chiefs sent their driver to pick me up at the airport and he drove me straight to a five-star hotel. I remember at that time they just signed Paul Dolezar as coach. At Chiefs, I have some good and not so good memories to look back on. However, I still give God all the glory because my first few months in SA were rocky, but I thank God for seeing me through. Before coming here, I never knew what to expect particularly coming all the way from Europe, but I prayed to God for guidance. My SA journey so far is a big lesson in itself as it opened my eyes to many things.

The following season (1998-99), Mamelodi Sundowns came with a good offer that I couldn’t resist and I did not hesitate to pack my bags and leave. The rest, as they say, is history.

I was proud to be part of the team that won every domestic title in sight and two years we could have added the CAF Champions League title but lost to Al-Ahly in the final.

Reliving your glory days with Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns

I started out at Kaizer Chiefs and made an impact in my first and only season with the Glamour Boys. At that time, the late Shaibu Amodu was coaching city rivals Orlando Pirates. I remember playing in one of the Soweto derbies against them, which we won. Amodu later went on air to say his team could have won the game but for the resilience of Muisi Ajao in the Chiefs defence. Later when he was appointed head coach of Super Eagles, I was first on his list of invited players.

At Sundowns, I played alongside another great Nigerian, Raphael Chukwu, and other great guys like Isaac Shai, Daniel Mudau, Themba Mnguni, and Lovers Mohlala. We won every domestic title on sight and at a time we were considered the best team in SA after winning the Premier League title thrice in succession. I had a great time with the Brazilians, and I was a favourite with the supporters. One day, I got a letter from one of the fans who felt the need to interact with me personally. I remember vividly one of the paragraphs in the letter which read: “Ajao, you know what, you have always mentioned God since your arrival in South Africa, and one thing that I notice about you is that you don’t stop mentioning your God. In every of your interviews, God must come first.” So I give God all the glory for everything in my life.

My  journey into coaching

Laughs…Sometimes I am amazed that people refer to me as a coach. You see, I am not really into coaching. On part time basis, yes, but not fully engaged as a coach at the moment. As a player, when you finish your playing career and you are really passionate about the game, what you want do is to try and see if you can give back to the community and at the same time to keep yourself busy. In terms of coaching here, I use it as a platform for me to impart my knowledge of the game to younger ones, and at the same time, keeping myself busy. In actual fact, I don’t want to be a coach. My passion at this time, primarily, is scouting. I scout for my former teams and other interested sides as well.

Adapting to life in South Africa

Let me say I was privileged to adapt to my new environment in double quick time because my main objective was to succeed. Even while developing in the game back in Lagos at Julius Berger Feeders, I learned to grow in the most unusual of circumstances. I learned that as a player you need to focus. Getting used to the South Africa situation was a lot easier for me because I was coming from Europe, so my mentality was different, or shall I say on a higher level.

Greatest influences on my career

To be honest, there’s only one man that takes the credit; the one man that really inspired me, a man whose playing style I always emulated, I wished to be like him and to have the charisma that he had. And that’s our former captain, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi…may his soul rest in peace. I liken him to former Bafana Bafana captains Neil Tovey and Lucas Radede…people with high personality, humble, leaders inside and outside the pitch… that sums up the Keshi I knew. Prior to his passing, I was privileged to bring him to South Africa to negotiate a deal with one of the big clubs here. Keshi was very special because I was highly inspired by his style of play. Every Nigerian could testify to his charismatic presence and outstanding leadership qualities. I really adored him.

Comparison between South Africa and Nigeria

Clearly, there are huge differences in economic terms, development, culture, infrastructure, and in other areas. South Africa is more advanced and compares equally with most countries in Europe. Sometimes people tell me about going back home. Why would I leave a place that gives me comfort in preference for a place that gives me so much pain? I’m now a citizen of South Africa because I have been married to a South African lady for the past 15 years. Her name is Andile, and we have two beautiful daughters (Grace and Abigail).

Corrupt practices in Nigerian football

I want to talk specifically about national team invitations. Sometimes if you don’t have the connection, they cannot invite you; if you don’t give people money, they cannot invite you. But not when you believe in God, not when you put your trust in Him. Because He said in His word that those that put their trust in Him shall not be put to shame.

So when it comes to the life we are living, as long as you trust God in whatever you are doing, you are bound to succeed. So that sums up my journey going into the national team. So at the end of the day people came to know who Muisi Ajao is. God has been faithful.

 

VERBATIM WITH MUISI AJAO

How did you meet your spouse?

We met during one of my random visits to Johannesburg while playing for Sundowns.

Are you able to speak any of the local dialects?

A little bit of Zulu.

What’s your best South African meal?

Pap (maize meal) and wors.

What’s your best Nigerian meal?

Beans and gari.

Who cooks your meals?

My wife, and she’s very good with Nigerian cuisines as well.

How often do you visit home?

Hardly; it’s been a while since I went home to see my parents. That was like 11 years ago.

Your experiences of muti in South African football.

It’s an African thing, and the use of traditional herbs and concoctions in South African football is an open secret. We may have our individual beliefs but when it comes to the team, we move with the flow.

Giving back to the community after football career.

How do  spend your spare time?

After each day’s training session, I fiddle with my phone, spend time with my family, and read my bible.

Biggest regret in football career

Not taking up an offer in Israel (in 2002), when I had the opportunity.

Historic places you have visited in South Africa

I’m not the outgoing type, but everywhere.

 

SHORT AND SHARP WITH MUISI AJAO

How long do you sleep?

6 to 7 hours.

Hip-hop or R&B

I prefer gospel, thank you.

Favourite perfume

I don’t use perfumes.

Car brand

I drive a Toyota Yaris.

Languages you speak

Yoruba, English, a bit of French, Zulu (my wife is Zulu, Tswana).

Greatest wish

To win more souls for God.

Weirdest wish

Use you to save many perishing souls.

What you don’t wish to be

To die as a sinner.

Worst food you ever ate

Eba.

Lowest salary ever

N2,500 sign on fee at Bendel Insurance in 1990.

Biggest pay cheque

30,000 US dollars sign on fee in Europe and 1500 US dollars monthly salary at Mamelodi Sundowns.

Worst habit

None.

Longest walk ever

Lagos Island to Ajegunle boundary in the 90s.

Favourite pet

Parrot, maybe.

Favourite sport wear

Any.

First pair of boots

A worn-out pair of boots a friend gave to me back in the 1980s.

Messi or C. Ronaldo?

Ronaldo.

Best stadium played in

Seoul, in 2001.

Role model

Stephen Keshi.

Favourite actor

Diary of a black, Madiya, Perry.

Favourite musicians

Sinachi of Christ Embassy, Don Moen.

Fashion taste

Casual.

 

FACT BOX

Date of birth: 02 December, 1978

Height: 1. 87m

Weight: 85kg

Place of birth/State of origin: Abeokuta, Ogun State

Spouse: Andile

Last club: In Bahrain

Hobbies: Chilling with my family, reading the bible.

International caps: 10.

International debut: Malawi v Nigeria.

FOOTBALL PROFILE

1994 Bendel Insurance

1995 Shooting Stars SC

1996 Sharks

1996–1997 Cercle Brugge KSV (Belgium)

1997–1998 Kaizer Chiefs (S/Africa)

1998–2002 Mamelodi Sundowns (S/Africa)

2003–2004 Da Nang FC (Singapore)

2005 Hanover FC (Germany)

2006 Kingfisher East Bengal FC (Qatar)

2007 Manning Rangers (S/Africa)

2000–2001 Nigeria Super Eagles

 

 

From feeding deprived Nigerian children to providing them with medical assistance, United States based ex-Super Eagles, Paul Okoku has taken his humanitarian works into schools by donating books to both elementary and secondary pupils .He sat down with TAIWO ALIMI to talk more about his drive, partnership, motivation and motives for devoting his life to humanity.       

Your foundation, Greater Tomorrow Children Foundation (GTCF), was in Delta State recently to donate books to some schools?

Yes and It went well. It was a colourful turnout with 40 schools represented and 12 to 15 students in attendance from each school.  Some principals were there while some were represented. And I would like to say that it was collaboration with GTCF and HonourableNicholas Ossai because he was instrumental in making sure that the books that were donated got to Nigeria and to the intended students. Also, the fact that we were able to put smiles on their lips is also appreciated by all those that were on ground. At GTCF, we are of the belief that sports and academics go together. We were very fortunate growing up where we had opportunity like game masters that devoted time for taking us through different kind of sports. They know that you need your physical activities outside the classroom, for you to be able to assimilate what is going inside the classroom.

So, we made it clear to the student that they should cultivate the habit of reading, not only when it is convenient, but at all times. I think they got the message.

I am particularly happy that some of my colleagues were also there. Why do I always feel the need to have my colleagues with me? Because this is not just Paul Okoku’s foundation, but for my colleagues also so we collectively bring hope to others. What I am exposed in the U.S to is a situation where celebrities turn out to bring humanitarian project to the less privileged children. It had not just the fun part. These are children that are not opportune to see celebrities and once they are in their midst it add to their excitements. And these colleagues sacrifice their personal and family time to give these kids hope and the essential of human life. So, that is all it’s all about.

And they were able to do the same in Delta. In fact, it is only the kids that would be excited about having former Super Eagles in their midst, but the adults were equally excited. We had Henry Nwosu, Chief ADegboyega Onigbinde, Baba Otu Mohammed, Tajudeen Disu and Edema Fuludu, were all there. As a matter of fact it was another opportunity to educate the kids about history. Nobody knew that Baba Otu was voted the best winger during the 1976 AFCON tournament in Addis Ababa Ethiopia. People were amazed.

To add to it, the Delta people were happy that it is coming from a son of the soil and I am glad too.

I would like to use this opportunity to thank my colleagues too in this project, particular Mrs Grace Jaleku and Mrs Rose OLuwatoyin. We call them our mum and they are volunteers that accompany us on these trips. Coach Onigbinde was outstanding. I only called him couple of days to the event and he readily accepted and went with. During his speech he made it clear that about his love for humanity and going forward any time we have an event like this, he would like to be a part of it. I think that was awesome.

Is this the first time that GTCF is bringing books to schools in Nigeria?

Yes! This is the first project. It has been in the works for four years though. It was cheer determination that we just felt like going on despite the bureaucracy. It was cheer determination that gave us the encouragement to make sure that we got it to the targeted group. So, yes this would be our first project book wise and we have more opportunity to doing that if we have private or corporate sponsorship. Or people who are willing to partner with us, we can do even more than this.

What are the kinds of books that you gave out to these schools?

The books comprise English, mathematics, storybooks, Sciences, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, etcetera. And these are from the elementary to high schools.

The people that packaged the books are in form with the requirement in Africa. This is not the first time they are sending books down. And, they are also involved in humanitarian project. So, we partner with them also for boos for Africa. I want also to mention Victor Mbanba, who is known to ship boo from the U.S. I’m also a member of Ndokua Association, Atlanta Chapter, and Hon Ossai partnered with this same association to ship over N10million  worth of medical equipment to three local government; Ndokwa West, Ndokwa East and Kuale. So, even though GTCF is my project, I’m involved in other humanitarian projects. Some of them are Feed the Children, a big one in the U.S, Atlanta  Union, which deals in rehabilitating people who have been on drugs, give them homes and teach them work craft so that they can go back to work as contributing citizens. So, I’ve been a part of many humanitarian projects and this is something that I’m very passionate about. I’ve always have the notion that the government cannot do it all. This is something that we all citizens must be passionate about also. There are so many Nigerians with good hearts, but when I talk to them the first thing they tell me is the lack of trust for NGOs. It is not for you to judge. When God gave the instruction that you should go out there and help the needy, give to them and let them have something to survive, God did not give you the added responsibility to monitor it. That is left to God. Do your part. For people that use that excuse not to give, we understand that. Even in the United States, there are some dishonest organisations too, but that did not stop some organisation, corporate bodies and individuals to continue to support because they know that the government cannot do it all. They look at the support they can give. In every phase or area of life, there is dishonesty, so what are you going to do about that. You’ll going to stop living because that.

So, let’s talk about what God promised us. You give, I will bless you. God in his infinite understanding of human life knows that there would be dishonesty and so, he did not give you that added responsibility. He only wants you to understand the blessing that comes with it.

You sound like a very religious person there

I am. I’m very religious and what we do is like a ministry on its own. When we started this foundation, I see it as a way of serving the underprivileged.  In the U.S I have friends that are ministry pastors and when they see me they ask me ‘how is your ministry going’ and I say ‘I don’t have a ministry’ and they reply ‘oh yes! What you are doing is a ministry.’ Because you are giving and that is what we preach about in the church and what God wants of you.

You partnership with Hon Ossai leads me into this question. Are you interested in politics?

No sir! And I want to be clear in this. We are not political.  This in no way is to endorse any political party. We are an organisation out to help the needy. The needy do not care who is feeding them. They just want to survive and when you become political you have taken away the blessing. Even in the U.S where we registered we made it clear that we cannot support any political party. We can wish them good luck, so if you are NPN, back in the days, or NPP, PDP, ACN, APC or NFA or whatever political affiliate you are, you can partner with us or we can partner with you on humanitarian project, all in the goodness of humanity. That is the spirit.  And that should be the spirit.

How did we get to meet Hon Ossai, it was during one of his visits to the United States that one of our presidents, Dr Vincent Chukuma, told me that the honourable is interested in books and I know that you have an organisation that can help. Do you think you can help? I said absolutely and he gave me Hon Ossai contact and that was how we started. In his speech with at the book presentation in Delta, he noted that this is the beginning of a lasting collaboration with GTCF on humanitarian project for people of Ndokua. I’m happy about that and looking forward to it.

You have done a lot of GTCF project in your state, Delta State, is that intentional? When are you moving out to other places?

No sir!  It is just coincidental that I happened that way. We have done lots of works in Lagos. We have done in Abuja, Jos. We were close to doing something in Kaduna and Ogun State last year. It depends on where we see people who are ready to partner with us. This is a worldwide foundation and we do works in lots of places. We have done works in the U.S too. We are a global organisation. We have done only two projects in Delta. I am glad that you brought that up and we can clarify it.

You usually come home twice or more every year to do this, how do you finance it?

I would say 80 per cent is personal and 20 per cent from donations for now. NGOs survive on public assistance and the more we carry out our projects, people will see the trust that we can do this much with our own resources and they can join us. And we do this with utmost integrity. That is what this is all about. People that have been with me from beginning till now trust my word. If I tell them it’s going to happen, I make sure that I follow through. Otherwise I have to provide an explanation. Sometimes it is all about communication. There will be times when promises due to unforeseen elements may not be carried out, communicate to them so that their expectation will not be there.

Is there any time that discouragement has set in and you feel giving up?

The encouragement has to come from people that are receiving it. That is why it is all about. Nobody can discourage you. Whatever you are passionate about it will remain with you. I get my kids involved in this too and they get their friends involved too. If you allow an individual to discourage you in what you passionate about, then you were never passionate about it in the beginning. I don’t seek encouragement from people; I get my encouragement and my motivation from the people that we’re catering to. That is what this is all about.

This humanitarian project or giving is embedded in the U.S society. This is their daily living. They go out to seek for organisation they can support. The celebrities out there go out with their own effort, finances to support because they know the benefits. In the U.S, corporate responsibility has to involve humanities. You can see the kind of pressure that is on President (Donald) Trump for using his profit organisations for private gain.

During (Barrack) Obama and (Mitt) Romney’s debate, you can hear them emphasise on their favourite humanitarian organisations. That is two leaders talking about it. What do you think the citizens will do?It encourages them. So, if we as Nigerians gear our efforts, attitudes and finances to mankind, not just by words of mouth, but by actions, it would be better for us. We would have less poor people among us. Nigeria would be better for us.

School kids in the U.S are involved too. You will see schools asking their pupils, children 12 years old and below in elementary schools to bring can goods and their parents will go to stores to pick it up. There is no limit to how many you can bring. And this is done all the time, during Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Memorial Day. The kids bring them to school and dump them in an agreed place. What do you think they are teaching these kids? The act of kindness, of giving to the underprivileged and the needy and as they growing up they understand what it is all about and they keep doing it and pass it on.

Same applies for scholarship from elementary to the highest level. My kids volunteer and are still volunteering. Companies set aside potion of their employees’ monies to their favourite charitable organisation. The U.S has taken the act of kindness to a different levels and that is what I learnt and have been doing for 25 years. Even though my parents inculcated the habit in me, the U.S environment took it to another level. For 25 years I have been involved in humanity project and it was only five years ago that started GTCF.

How are you helping some of your colleagues in Nigeria that are battling ill health and poverty?

All I can say is that in my own little way I have been supportive and that is why I come home every year and get them wherever they are to identify with them. I am also in the forefront of campaign for the government of Nigeria to redeem the scholarship they promised us in 1983 as a way to help us particularly our colleagues that are going through crisis. Though, they cannot go back to school, our children can benefit from it and I’m so glad that the House of Assembly has taken up the cause with Hon Tajudeen Abass who moved the motion in the in the house to see what government can do. We are just waiting for the outcome of it.

 

 

His club might be finding it tough in the Italian Serie A but Nigeria’s Simeon Tochukwu Nwankwo has been described as one of the most intelligent strikers with FC Crotone.

On his way to Serie A, the 25-year-old Nwankwo, fondly known as Simy in the football world, enjoyed rare reviews in the ProLiga for his proficiency in front of the goal post and ended on the high as the top scorer with an impressive 20 goals.

“The 2015/2016 season (with Gil Vicente) was my best so far in terms of numbers goals I scored and coming to Italy for me was a step up in my career; so I had to take the opportunity of achieving my boyhood dream of playing in one of the European top leagues, “Simy told our correspondent after scoring his first goal in Italy against Hella Verona in the Coppa Italia. “But honestly, playing in Italy is a different challenge for me; it’s totally a different environment but I’m working hard to settling down.”

Indeed, the goal has been few and far in between for Simy with FC Crotone but he has been attributed with scoring ‘special goals’ on few occasions including his recent goal in the 1-1 draw against SPAL.

“Wonderful goal from Simy Nwankwo,” a TV commentator hollered. “What an intelligent goal scored out of what looked like no opportunity; terrific goal.”

Simy himself relishes his efforts, adding that it’s a great feeling to always be among the goals in Italy.

“It has always been a good experience playing here in Italy,” reckons Nwankwo who is famous for wearing jersey No.99. “I was so thrilled about that goal against SPAL because I was unlucky hitting the post in some recent games; I you remember I’d scored a couple of goals last year before injury took off the team.”

Yet, Simy is unruffled that he has yet to be given a chance to prove his worth in the national team with the Super Eagles even in the wake of Coach Gernot Rohr’s search for some deadly strikers ahead of the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018.

“No hard feelings at all (not being called up for the Super Eagles),” offered  Simy, a  great admirer of former Super Eagles’ captain, Nwankwo Kanu and Sheyi Adebayor.“ Playing for the Super Eagles is a dream I will love to achieve someday but I’m just focussed on what I’m doing here with FC Crotone; and waiting when the moment arrives to play for the Super Eagles.”

Meanwhile, Simy said the Super Eagles can weather the storm at Russia 2018 despite being drawn against Croatia, Iceland and Argentina.

“No doubt, it’s a difficult group but I believe the Super Eagles will put in the hard work needed to come out of the group. I’m confident of a great outing for the team in Russia.”