Falolu Azeez: Katsina United team to beat in 2024 NPFL season

Katsina United’s bullish midfielder, Falolu Azeez Olamilekan ‘Budey’, has said the newly promoted club will be the team to beat in the 2023/2024 Nigeria Professional Football (NPFL) season. In this interview with Trust Sports, the former Warri Wolves and Akwa United player spoke on how he joined the ‘Chanji boys’ of Katsina, preparations for the 2024 season and his future plans.

How did you start your football career?

I started playing football right from when I was very small. I used to play street football in Lagos. When I graduated from secondary and couldn’t further my education, I decided to focus more on football. I didn’t play full time football because I found a small job which I was doing. However, along the line, I quit to concentrate on football. So, my first amateur club was Akure City. After that I played in the Nigeria National League (NNL) for Stormers FC of Abeokuta. After spending a season with them, I joined Ekiti United, then Warri Wolves and in the 2022/2023 season, I played the second round for Akwa United.

How did you join your present club, Katsina United?

At the end of the 2023 season, the Chairman of Katsina United called that I should join them in Eket for the Naija Super 8 playoff. From there we moved to the championship in Lagos where I finally signed for them. In fact, after our opening match against Remo Stars, a lot of clubs came for me. Enyimba, Remo Stars, Rivers United, kwara United and Sunshine Stars were some of the clubs that wanted me to join them. When the Chairman of Katsina United saw what was happening, he persuaded me to sign, which I eventually did.

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Why didn’t you sign for one of the bigger clubs that came for you?

I had given my word to the Chairman of katsina United so there was no need for me to do otherwise. That is one thing with me. I try to be honest. When I say yes, I mean yes and when I say no, I mean no. So, I spoke to my mum and guardians and they advised me on what to do. Moreover, I like staying where I am appreciated. Even if the money is small, I prefer to stay where I will be cherished. Money is important but it is not more important than respect and rest of mind.

Do you still believe you made the right choice?

I have no single regret signing for Katsina United. I am adored by the club and that is where I want to play for now. When I was to sign for the club, I heard a lot of things that could have discouraged me but one thing I know is that I can survive anywhere. I am a fighter and I like competition. Competition brings out the best in me. So, to answer your question, I still believe I didn’t make any mistake settling for Katsina United.

What should Nigerian football fans expect from Katsina United in the coming season?

Katsina United will be the team to beat. We would have nothing to do with relegation as our target is to win the title or pick one of the continental tickets. People may feel that we are just coming back to the NPFL but we are battle ready.

Where is your confidence coming from?

My confidence comes from God. I am a Muslim and I believe in prayer. I believe that when I handover everything to almighty God, He makes a way for me even where it seems there is no way. Moreover, when prayer is a habit, success becomes a lifestyle.  What we are going to do is to pray and work hard. Where I am today is by the grace of God and hard work. I usually go the extra mile even in training.

A tree doesn’t make a forest. How qualitative are the players in Katsina United?

To be honest with you, we have quality players in the team. Most of my teammates are experienced and have what it takes to play at this level. You can see from the way we played against the big teams at the Naija Super 8 that we are going to be a force to be reckoned with in the NPFL. Secondly, we are banking on the unity in the team to achieve success. We are a united family.

Which match at the Naija Super 8 was the toughest for Katsina United?

We played against very tough opponents like Enyimba and Remo Stars. They looked at us as the underdogs but they got more than what they bargained for. In fact, we had nothing to lose so we took the fight to them. But our toughest match was our last group match against Sporting FC Lagos. They are also young players and they like to keep possession. We play a similar style of football so it was a tough contest. So, for me, that was our toughest and best match in the competition.

Would you say Sporting Lagos deserve to be champions of the Naija Super 8 tournament?

I can’t say they don’t deserve to be champions but if it were not Sporting, then it should have been Katsina United. At the beginning of the tournament, I tipped my team to win but I don’t understand how the organisers allowed Remo Stars who had the same points and goal difference with us to progress into the semi-finals. Had it been we got to the semi-finals, we would have won the trophy.

What is your take on the decision by the NPFL board that instead of an abridged format, a normal season should be played?

It is a welcome development. The abridged format is only good for emergencies. We all knew why it was used last season. This time, we have no reason to play an abridged season again.  Instead, the NPFL board should emulate the organisers of the Naija Super 8. They should ensure the matches are beamed live on television. It will go a long way in taking the domestic league to the world. When the Naija Super 8 tournament was on, the attention of football fans around the world was on Nigeria. And the organization was topnotch. So, I want the NPFL to be the same. In addition, the clubs should ensure that their players are not exposed to too many road trips. When players are made to cover long distances on the road to honour away matches, fatigue usually sets in and in such situations, they can’t give their best.

What is your ultimate ambition in football?

My dream is to play top flight football in Europe and also play for the Super Eagles. I will be 20 years next year so I can start with the Flying Eagles or the Olympic Eagles, if given a chance. I know that with hard work, I will realise my dream.

Who is your role model?

My role model is Luka Modric of Croatia and Real Madrid. He is such a fantastic player that I don’t get tired watching him. I learn a lot from him and I try to add to my game what he doesn’t possess. You know that there is no complete player. So, I watch him and try to pick those qualities he has that I am lacking. I have gained a lot by having him as my role model.