Ukraine-based Super Eagle, Babatunde Michael, is an interesting young man. The Volyn of Ukraine player has had his fair share of challenges, which he gracefully overcame. Aside from football, Michael loves to cook and derives inspiration from the lyrics of Fuji musician, Saheed Osupa. He speaks on various issues in this interview with TAIWO ALIMI.
WHAT KESHI TOLD ME
To be candid, playing for the Nigerian senior team has affected my life for the better. I had the opportunity to play with the bigger boys because I know I am still coming to their levels. So it is always a marvellous feeling for me being in the national team camp. If I can describe it well, I will say Super Eagles call up has changed my life style. Though l had dreams before I was invited to the national team, my first training session with Coach Stephen Keshi and the big boys really spurred me to dream even bigger. Big Boss told me I can be a great player like the people I was seeing in the team that I just need to be focused and increase my confidence.
LOVING LIFE IN UKRAINE
Ukraine has been a wonderful place for me. I was able to meet up my challenges and conquer during the trouble times. Yes, I had little issues while I was in Kryvbas but it is a normal thing for every player. Challenges will come, especially when a good thing is about to happen in your career. It may be in different forms but the most important thing is the ability to conquer. I think I need to give kudos to my agent as well because whenever those things bother me, he always comes around to encourage me. So, he plays so many roles in my life. As I said before, Ukraine is a starting ground for me. I believe my commitment and focus here will open a big land mark for me to another dream land when the time is up, but I am really enjoying my career in the cold city of Ukraine.
FROM KRYVBAS TO VOLYN
Kryvbas was a wonderful place for me to start my career in Europe. I had many offers in France and Germany before I took the decision of playing in Ukraine and Kryvbas played an important role in my development in European football. So, I never regretted playing for the club despite going bankrupt; I achieved a lot while I was with them, counting from my U-20, U-23 and Super Eagles call and the coach always encouraged me to work hard that I am one of the future of my country. I left there because there was an issue and we both agreed after offers came in. As a matter of fact, I am still loyal to the club. I will like to thank Volyn for giving me the opportunity to express my ability. My instant explosion in Volyn was as a result of the confidence that l had. I know I am really enjoying myself at Volyn but I must praise my coach for having a huge confidence in me. The coach has given me a free role in the team and I really thank God for helping me to justify his trust.
I actually made impact in the team from my first game as a substitute. I settled down quickly and felt at home because everybody was eager to see what I can offer. The great form continues in the next three weeks.
THE BIGGER THEY COME…
As a young, promising player, the best way to show your worth is against the big clubs. And I have been able to do that well. When I was in Kryvbas, my coach used to use me as joker whenever we were playing big clubs like Dnipro, Arsenal Kiev, Dynamo Kiev, Shakhtar Donesk and I always rose to the occasion. I could remember a game against Dnipro handled by one of the respected coaches in the world, Juande Ramos. I was told that he became worried immediately he saw me on the pitch and to make it a great day for us, we beat them and I made a great impact in the victory. Beating Shakhtar Donesk was another great one for us even though I got injured; still, I was able to do my normal killer pass. I won the Man of the Match and Shakhtar players came to congratulate me.
KESHI THE LUCKY ONE
Keshi has proved he’s better than some foreign coaches. There is no other word to describe the man than the lucky one. Football is absolutely a game of luck with technical ability; without luck, ability may not be useful. But he’s lucky enough to apply his technical ability at the right time and he’s getting result. I think he lives with an element of success. And that is really transforming the career of most of us in the team. Apart from that, he has really distinguished himself as the big daddy, not big boss. Off the pitch, Keshi relates well with his players; he called me so many times while I was injured. Himself and Daniel Amokachi called me to find out the level of my injury because I wanted to be invited for the Italy friendly but I was still not fit for the match. The week after, they still called to say hello and fortunately I came back to the match.
My World Cup dream
It is going to be real tough for all of us. I don’t think there is automatic shirt for anybody and that will make it very interesting and challenging. I am looking forward to a place because I want to prove to Coach Stephen Keshi that l can re-enact all what l have done at the club level. While at the Confederations Cup, I did not have much playing time but I will like to return to Brazil to prove myself. The Confederations Cup ouster is also a lesson for us to prepare well and give more in terms of hard work and focus. I am confident that Nigeria will soar high next year. It does not matter who we are playing but how prepared we are.
I LOVE LISTENING TO SAHEED OSUPA
Whenever you see me on the street or in my car, I always play Saheed Osupa; I admire him a lot, I grew up listening to his music. Though I do listen to hip hop, l have undying love for fuji music. When you listen to his music, you learn, you see this life as nothing, and when the going is tough, you will derive the encouragement to move on in peace. I just love it.
I ENJOY COOKING A LOT
I love cooking for myself; I am a very good cook. I can prepare many African dishes but I am still learning to prepare some European food.
