Nigeria U20 youngster, Olamilekan Oyedele has urged Nigeria football league administrators to have faith in young players by giving them more minutes on the pitch. In a chat with Trust Sport, the Remo Stars left-back further declared that donning the colours of Nigeria gives a special kind of satisfaction that can’t be described.
Can you tell us who Lekan is?
Lekan is a kind and hardworking guy which I believe luck is just 5 percent to success the rest is hard work and preparation. I like to give back the same energy someone gave to me.
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Can you tell us when you started your career and what are the clubs you have played in as well?
I started playing football since when I was 10 years and I played in grassroots club which is the Ultimate football club and then I joined Remo Stars where I graduated from U15 to U19 side.
What led you to choose football as a career? And how much support did you get from your family?
I believe football has been in me. Right from my days as a kid, I liked football even in environment where football isn’t played as much. Football has been a childhood passion though I didn’t get that much support from my parents who wanted me to focus solely on my education. That is understandable as education is also very important. I listened to them and at the same time, I continued playing football. At a point, my parents had no choice other than to leave me to chase my dream and support me.
What obstacles did you face in your career as a footballer?
As a young kid and footballer, I faced many obstacles. Some people doubted me, didn’t believe in my abilities or saying you are too young to do this and judging players by their height.
How much of education do you have?
I stopped at my secondary school and I have my SSCE and hoping to continue when I have the chance but for now am chasing my dream, which is football.
Can you tell us your experience playing in the Nigerian leagues? And what do you think are the differences between Nigerian league and foreign leagues?
Yes there is a big difference. Nigerian league is very physical, though the club I played for were more interested in tactics than physical. But in Europe and other foreign leagues, they are more concerned about tactics.
You were part of the U20 side. Can you tell us your experience playing for Nigeria and winning the WAFU cup.
Yes it was a great experience for me at my young career and I really appreciate it a lot and I am not taking that experience for granted. The exposure I got playing for the country is immense and I know it will be useful for me as I forge on in my career.
I want to believe you want to play for the Super Eagles. Why do you want to?
Yes, I want to play for the Super Eagles. It’s part of my mission and the reason why is I want to represent my county at the highest level and be proud of my country anywhere in the world. There is no greater pride and joy than playing for my country which is Nigeria at the highest level. It is the hallmark for a player. The feelings playing for Nigeria can’t be described.
Are there suggestions you have that can improve the Nigerian league and make it a world class league?
Our administrators should have confidence in the younger players and introduce us into games just the same way the Europeans do with their young players. In that way, we can grow.
Looking back so far, do you have any regrets playing football?
No I don’t any form of regrets. Yes, there could have been some mistakes which are normal. I am very certain that I will make make something out of my career by God’s grace.
As you know, you won’t play football for life, what plans do you have for life after active football? Coaching?
I will definitely go into coaching but first thing I will do is to go to school even while playing football at the highest level and after my retirement I want to be an agent to help groom players. What most of good players lack is the guidance of a good and honest agent that will guide them well in their career.
I read somewhere you played in the Viareggio Cup in Italy. How did that tournament go for you and what club did you play for and when?
Yes, I played for Alex transfiguration and the tournament was good and I won the best defender in the tournament, that was March-April, this year.
Who is your role model in football?
PSG’s Presnel Kimpembe is my role model. I admire his attitude on and off the pitch and his lifestyle. I like Cristiano Ronaldo too because of his hardwork and his work rate mentality. He makes me believe in so many things in life.
Nigeria will not be participating in the World Cup, so which country will you be supporting?
France and Argentina. France is my role model country and Argentina is where the GOAT plays.
If you have the chance, what club across the world do you want to play for?
I would like to play for is Ajax for a start. From history, Ajax develops young players well. I mean they train young players better even to their senior teams. Most of their players are from their youth team before they explode to the world. After Ajax I would like PSG or Liverpool.
Thank you for your time.
Thank you for having me.