He was one of the promising goalkeepers in his time, but injury cut short his career. Today he has delved into football management and is on the verge of becoming a FIFA licensed player agent.
In this interview with Ejiro Femi-Babafemi, Baruwa opens up on his playing days and the age cheating allegation that would have caused him his place in the U-23 National Team to the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.
Can you tell us what you have been doing since quitting football at the age of 30?
Well l would not say that l have totally quit the sport even though l have stopped playing. Let me just say that l have taken time out to rest and look after my family. Right now am back to the football side of the game. I run a football agency called BRW sports management limited in England,where l reside with my family. It is new in the industry and ours is to represent players and coaches all over the world.
As a married man, how many kids do you have?
I have few and I can’t tell you the number because it is against my tradition and religion.
I am sure you still have fond memories of your playing days especially with the national teams?
My days with the Super Eagles was short-lived due to a knee injury. Given this, l was advised by my doctors to quit. It was a sad one for me because l felt l still had enough to contribute to the team since age was still on my side. But the doctors knew better. I recall l was sick during our training camp in Tallahassee, Florida prior to the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Although l recovered on time to still make the team, then Coach, Bonfere Jo had to drop me and placed me on stand-by following the medical report. I was close to tears when he told me. However l accepted since your health is not what you can negotiate.
Even with the senior team, the injury kept coming and the doctors advised l discontinue. You can imagine how l felt. First it was sickness that denied me the opportunity of being in goal with the U-23 team. Those periods were challenging. I was able to move on due to courage and my belief in God. My days with both teams were well spent. It was fun and l must give God the glory for the opportunities.
How true was the ‘juju story’ in the national teams?
I heard loads of that. But I can only speak for myself. I come from a religious family and have always served my one and only God.
You were highly rated then, which suggest that you can assess the present crop of Super Eagles goalkeepers—Vincent Enyeama, Austin Ejide and home boy, Chigozie Agbim?
In my opinion, our keepers remain the best in Africa at the moment. It is something that was there in my time. The competition is a healthy one. Enyeama is a very good keeper, sharp reflexes who will certainly go places as long as he remains in form. He is also confident, so is Ejide. Agbim is coming up but he still needs to understudy his colleagues because of experience. I remember Enyeama’s big break came at the 2002 World Cup, our match against England. He displayed confidence despite being a first timer at the big stage. He was second choice to Ike Shorounmu who incidentally was my club-mate at Shooting Stars.
What’s your opinion on the rebuilding process by Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi?
I think Stephen is doing a wonderful job with the team. I really like the idea of bringing the local players into the team. He should keep it up?
Which was your favourite match?
I have two. The first was the one against Kenya that gave us the ticket to the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France. We won 3-0 at the National Stadium in Lagos. There was also the U-23 1996 Olympic qualifier against Zimbabwe which qualified us for the Atlanta Games. Those moments will forever linger.
Speaking of Zimbabwe, they alleged that in your international passport you were born on February 7, 1969 while, a different date of birth, November 16, 1974, was in your passport that was presented by the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) to officials during their pre- match formalities. Can you tell us what really happened?
I was confident Zimbabwe was making a mistake. Someone must have given them a wrong information about my age. At no time, did l change my age on my passport. They were simply looking for a way to make FIFA disqualify Nigeria to take our place. Unfortunately for them, FIFA dismissed their case, after their investigations, on the ground that it lacked merit.
Your darling club, Shooting Stars, a club that you won the FA Cup and league with in one season are going through a rough patch in the present domestic campaign. Is it of concern to you?
I think every team goes through this process at one stage or the other. They only need to stay focus. And things will change.
But are you in touch?
Of course! One day which is very soon I’ll be doing my bit for 3sc. That’s the club that gave me everything that I am today. I have to give back.
One recalls the costly mistake you made against Yugoslavia in a friendly prior to the 1998 FIFA World Cup. You made an attempt to dribble your opponent to clear the ball, which was collected from you by the player to score. That error made Coach Bora Milutonovic drop you. Does it still haunt you?
Not at all! These things do happen in football all the time. It’s part of the game. Look back at all great goalkeepers all over the world they have done worse mistakes greater than mine. I am a business man now. What matters to me now is my company’s future.
So how does Abiodun Baruwa relax?
I go to the gym. You can see that l have grown muscles. I work out Mondays to Fridays and rest on Saturday and Sunday.
