Mustapha Aliko: My shabby treatment in Katsina United a blessing in disguise

A former junior international and Lobi Stars number one goalkeeper, Mustapha Aliko has said the ‘shabby’ treatment meted to him at the end of last season by his former club, Katsina United is now a blessing in disguise. In this interview with Daily Trust Sports, the former Niger Tornadoes captain also spoke on life in Lobi Stars, the ongoing NPFL season and his future plans.

How much are you enjoying life in your new club, Lobi Stars?

It’s all good. I have no single reason to complain. Everything is working perfectly and I am enjoying my stay in Makurdi. From the management, the technical crew to my team mates, we are like a united family. We are all pulling in the same direction. I have no regret for now.

What informed your choice of Lobi Stars?

Last season, I kept 21 matches in Katsina United. I did very well against Lobi Stars in one of the matches. So they saw the need to hire my services. But before then, they had indicated interest in me but then I chose to go to Katsina United because of my closeness to the chairman of the club. I was still eying Lobi Stars so when the opportunity came again, I grabbed it with both hands. It may interest you to know that Lobi Stars have been my dream club since when I was very small. I always dreamt of playing for them. Anytime they went to play in Minna, I never missed their matches. I must find my way into the stadium. There was one hole from where we would sneak in to watch matches. I always made sure I watched their games. I enjoyed watching their goalkeepers like the legendary Emma Abah.

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You must be feeling fulfilled now that you are in Lobi Stars

Honestly I am fulfilled. Even if I leave Lobi Stars today, I will still feel satisfied. In fact, I can liken my case to that of Odion Ighalo when he joined his childhood club, Manchester United. Although he has not enjoyed enough playing time, I am sure he is feeling fulfilled.

Before you left to join Lobi Stars, was there a problem between you and Katsina United?

I was not happy with the way they treated me but such things are common in the game and as a professional, one must act professionally in all circumstances. We had five goalkeepers in Katsina United yet I kept 21 matches. There was no basis for the treatment that was meted to me. They didn’t pay our salaries so we decided to complain. Unfortunately, in the Nigerian league once you do such a thing, you are automatically an indiscipline player. They said I was not disciplined. They said I was sacked and expected me to go on air and join issues with them but I didn’t do that. I kept low and continued to train until the offer from Lobi Stars came in. In fact, before Lobi Stars, I was approached by top clubs like Kano Pillars, Plateau United and Rivers United. However, I had already made up my mind to join Lobi Stars.

Would you look at the disappointment in Katsina United as a blessing in disguise for you?

Of course, it is a blessing because before then, I had no serious reason to leave Katsina United. Maybe I would have continued to play for them thereby denying myself the opportunity to achieve my dream to play for Lobi Stars. Once again, I am enjoying my career and I am happy.

What do you hope to achieve with Lobi Stars?

Lobi Stars are inarguably one of the best clubs in the Nigeria Professional Football League. They are ambitious and formidable. They have won the league and also the FA Cup. I am in Lobi Stars to help them achieve more results and also make a name for myself.

How will you rate your performance for Lobi Stars this season?

So far, I am happy with my contribution to the team. I have kept in all the five matches we have played. Already I have kept two clean sheets. This is an indication that I am giving to the team what is expected of me. By the special grace of God, I will keep doing my best for Lobi Stars.

How will you describe the fight for the number one shirt in Lobi Stars?

I must confess to you that it is not easy because Lobi Stars boast of some of the best goalkeepers in the NPFL. We have five well tested goalkeepers in the team. There is former international, Moses Ocheje who has kept for almost all the top clubs in Nigeria, junior international Emmanuel Daniel, Kris Atsaka and Faith James. For now, I am the first choice keeper but I know that the other keepers are equally good so I am doing my best to maintain my position.

A former Enyimba and Super Eagles keeper, Dele Aiyenugba is back in the NPFL with Kwara United. How inspiring is this?

It is a positive development. When they return from Europe, some of the goalkeepers don’t like to take part in the local league again. So his decision is going to impact positively on the domestic league. He will inspire upcoming goalkeepers. If at his age he is doing well, the younger ones will be challenged to do more. Had it been fans are allowed to watch matches, Aiyenugba alone would have attracted thousands of fans to league venues.

Due to COVID-19, fans are not allowed into league venues. How are you coping with the absence of spectators?

Playing without fans in the stands is a major setback. Fans usually propel us to give our best. As a matter of fact, if there is a way few spectators would be allowed into stadiums in line with the laid down health guidelines, it will be a welcome development. We can’t wait to have our fans back in the stadiums.

What is your assessment of officiating so far?

So far, so good. Referees are officiating according to the rule books and it is good for the game. If they maintain the present performance, we would have true champions of the league.