Gombe United central midfielder, Williams Ukeme, has said his biggest desire is to play for Nigeria’s senior men’s national football team, the Super Eagles. In this interview with Trust Sports, the vastly experienced Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) star spoke on the initial challenges he faced when he made the decision to play professional football, his future plans and ways the League management Company (LMC) can make the domestic league more attractive.
When and how did you start your football career?
I started my football career eight years ago in an academy, Prodigy Football Academy in Lagos. It was from there that I honed my skills as a footballer.
Which clubs have you played for so far?
Professionally, I have played for six teams. I played for Bendel Insurance of Benin, El-kanemi Warriors, Wikki Tourists FC, Akwa United FC, Pfc Mashal Mobarak in Uzbekistan and Gombe united FC which I joined this season.
What informed your choice of football as a professional career?
I have always loved football right from my childhood and it was something I had always wanted to do. Apart from having the talent as a young boy, I think the passion and the love I get from people when playing has always been my driving force. Also watching legends in the game also motivated me to play football. Football is just a game I have a special love for and I don’t regret following my passion.
How much support did you get from your family when you started playing football?
Like every other child, my parents had their own plans for me. Parents usually want their children to be lawyers, doctors etc. My case wasn’t an exception. Initially, my parents weren’t in support of my decision to play football. My eldest sister was the one who opposed me the most. But I think they saw the determination and the zeal in me and had no choice but to support me. When I got the permission of my parents to play, it was a turning point in my career as parental blessings are key to success in everything we wish to do. To show their support, my mum personally took me to the popular Katangua market in Lagos to get my first football boot. She took this decision when she saw I was using the canvas I used to wear to church to play football.
So how trophies have you won so far?
At professional level, I have won five titles with some of the clubs I have played for. I also won some trophies as an amateur player. I am still waiting for the big trophies in domestic and international football.
How were you able to combine education with football?
I didn’t go beyond secondary school as I am fully focused on my football career. During my school days, it wasn’t easy for me to talk about combining football and education. It wasn’t easy because I had to go for training from school most times. So I would go to school with my football boots and get back home later in the evening, do some house chores and study. I got used to it and it became part of me.
You play in the NPFL. What do you think the LMC should do to improve on the standard of the league?
I know we are not there yet, but compared to some years back, I think we’ve improved tremendously. We now see away teams winning games as the referees are better now in terms of officiating. We are not there yet but it is a good improvement. The pitches are a lot better now but I just think we have to do more in terms of players’ welfare, security, publicity and also, we should have a particular ball to use as it is done in other leagues. We shouldn’t be playing with balls used in other competitions like the CAF Champions League balls or UEFA Champions League balls. We should have one peculiar to the NPFL.
How soon do you hope to play for the Super Eagles?
Of course, it is my dream to play for the Super Eagles. Though I have yet to be invited to the main Super Eagles, I was once invited to the second team, which is the CHAN Eagles. Recently, about eight players were invited for the US tour. This has shown that the coaches are beginning to look in our way. We have quality players in the NPFL and I am hopeful that I will one day play for the Super Eagles. So playing for the Super Eagles is my ultimate desire.
Do you have any regrets playing professional football?
I have no regrets playing football because football is my life. I think I started well and I am still doing well with God and the people around me to direct me. I may have taken some wrong steps but I know there is no regret whatsoever for me. I am happy with my career.
What is the most memorable moment in your career for now?
That should be when I was invited to the national U-20 team. I didn’t see it coming though as I was having a good season then being my first season in the NPFL. Like I had said earlier, playing for Nigeria, though at the junior level was a dream come true. What is left for me is to play for the senior national team.
What is your favourite club in Nigeria and abroad?
My favorite club in Nigeria is Gombe United because of the love of the fans for the club and the respect I get from them personally. I am also in love with two teams in Europe. Arsenal which has been my childhood club and Ajax FC of Holland because of how they support, develop and encourage young players. The two European clubs play fantastic football.
