Prior to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, many Nigerians did not know much about Ramon Azeez even though he was a regular at La Liga Almeria.
Like all Nigerian kids, Azeez began playing football in the Future Pro Academy where he was picked to play for the national U-17 team when Nigeria played host to the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup. The tournament threw up the young lad as a star player to look out for as he was a regular in the Golden Eaglets’ line up. Nigeria finished in second place behind Switzerland. He quickly moved on to Spain for Almeria Team B where he scored seven goals in 78 appearances earning him promotion to the Almeria main team.
That he was named in the Nigeria provisional 30-man squad ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup surprised many but he went on to make his World Cup debut in a 0–0 draw against Iran.
Six years in Almeria greatly helped him as he signed for Granada CF on a six-month deal. In the just ended season, he was instrumental to Granada return to the elite stage of Spanish football.
Going down memory lane, the Nigeria international said his mum did not support his choice of career. “When I was starting out and made it clear to my mother that I wanted to be a footballer my mum tried to discourage me. She believed that football is meant for unserious kids.”
Azeez in an interview with OLUSOLA ALAO speaks further on Granada contract, family, the Super Eagles and other matters. Excerpts…
HOW do you feel to be part of Granada’s promotion party?
I feel very happy to be part of this promotion party. To be back in the La Liga after years of absence is a great feeling for me.
Who do you dedicate this achievement to?
I dedicate it to my family, my friends and to all my fans worldwide. They always got my back and any step I take in my career.
What is your contract situation with Granada?
I have a contract with Granada will 2022, any information you get elsewhere different from this is false.
You have played for U17, U20 and the Super Eagles, which of these memo ries remains your best?
They all give me great memories. All are great times, but I will stick to the Super Eagles because it is the highest level any player can think of to represent his country. It is usually difficult for any child to leave his parents and travel far away.
How was the feeling when you were leaving Nigeria at the age of 18?
Well, 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 learned and started speaking the language. That was a very important moment for me. But when it comes to what I love doing most, which is playing football, I easily put every other thing aside and go for it.
Who are the players that have in fluence on your career as a role model?
I have some of them that I learnt from and look up to shape my career. They are Deco, Zinedine Zidane, Xavi Harnandez and our own Jay Jay Okocha. They are my role models.
Many African parents want their children to go to school, become doctors, engineer, accountant, how was it between you and your parents on your career choice?
At the beginning, my parent never wanted me to play football. They keep telling me to read my book all the time. My mum in particular did not want to see me play football because she believed that footballers are street boys. She did not want me to be like one of them. But my dad made it easier for me because he has soft spot for the game. After a while, my mum got used to me playing football and allowed me to do what I wanted.
Where is the best stadium you have played so far?
That is Bernabeu, Real Madrid stadium.
You have been called to Super Eagles before, are you hoping for a return?
Yes, I hope so because representing Nigeria, and wearing Nigeria’s colours, is always a privilege for me. So, whenever I am given the opportunity to represent my country again I will grab it.
Congratulations on your goal against Barcelona B. How did it feel to score again?
I am very happy to score my first goal here with my team and very happy that we were able to secure the three points.
Do you see the goal against Barcelona B as the catalyst for a return to top class football?
Not only scoring a goal but to feature in every game week in week out, that’s the most important thing right now.
Did you have a feeling you might have a good game before that game?
Of course, before I got onto the field I usually do things that would make me happy and get me tune in for games. I employ whatever I see in my surroundings to ginger myself up. And that has always helped me in every game I have played.
After the World Cup, many were shocked that you were no longer invited, what happened?
Well, every coach knows what they are looking for and the calibre of players they want. It’s a thing of joy for any Nigerian player that gets called up to represent the country. There is an element of luck in this profession too.
How frustrating is it that you could not capitalise on your World Cup participation?
I feel very grateful because when things are like this and not going the way we want it, God knows the best and He has better plans for everyone.
How hopeful are you that things will change positively for you?
I am working hard every day and making sure I follow each section of training to get myself on the track always.
Having been in Spain all these years, do you miss Nigeria?
Of course, I do miss home sometimes but there is time for work and there is time for enjoyment. But every December and June, I am always in Nigeria to see my family.
