For years, you have been associated with Nigerian Football at different levels,can you share the journey with me?
Yes, that is true because I started playing in CRIN (Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria), I played in IPA league here in Ibadan,.
I played in my Primary School final at the same Liberty Stadium in 1978. After that, I played for the Ogun Osun River Basin in Ibadan, and later played for Femo Scorpions.
Later I joined Shooting Stars of Ibadan and also played for Julius Berger Football Club.
Quite interesting; could you please share with us your journey with international football.
It is a dream that came through beginning with Real Madrid Castilla which I joined in 1989 before I moved to Racing Satander in 1992-93. I actually helped the team to return to the La Liga. I also played for four solid years for Real Sociedad from 1996 and in Saudi Arabia for Al-Ittihad. I equally I played in Turkey and Cyprus from 2006.
Is Castilla the same as or related with Real Madrid?
Yes, it is still the same, just that Castilla is the second team.
We used the same facilities, the same medics, the same jersey, the same staff but the players from Castilla are promoted to Real Madrid.
When did you find the fulfilment: playing international or where?
No specific period because whenever I am playing football, I feel happy, nationally or internationally. It makes me happy and it is everything to me.
You played with different clubs which one holds the best memory for you and why?
Actually, I can’t single out one – all the teams i represented contributed to making me who i am.
In the national team, you were synonymous with Jersey number 8, what was special about the jersey number?
That is a great question which will need more explanation from me.
I inherited Jersey number 8 from. Thompson Oliha when Segun Odegbami was wearing 7.
During our own time, I was wearing 21 but in 1994 when the No. 8 was free , i chose to wear it.
It was a number I loved so much and also it was number I wore when I was playing in the Under 20 World Cup in Saudi Arabia (Saudi 89) and all other junior teams.
To cut the story short, jersey No 8 was a number I cherished so much even till now.
What Brought About Your Nickname, The HEADMASTER?
I was named Headmaster, because i scored so many goals with my head.
I saw you when you gave a man who asked money for transport money, I can see that you gave him; would you consider yourself a giver?
That is not hard, I gave him money because he needed it, giving is part of me.
Your jubilation style against Spain in 1998 was superb, who or what triggered it?
To be sincere, our match against Spain in 1998 was very tight and it ended 3_2 in our favour.
When I scored the winner, I was so happy.
I see it as a special goal, I never prepared for the jubilation style, it just came, I think that it came normally normal because when you score a goal you will be happy and you must make your supporters happy.
After playing for Shooting, and joining the management, some people expected a coaching role for you?
I did not coach shooting stars Fc, I was the General Manager of the team in 2008-2012.
How do you see living in Ibadan?
I am a native of Ibadan, my dad and mum are from Ibadan and i went to school in Ibadan but I go to many places maybe for functions.
What is your message to those that want to choose career in Football?
My message for them is: do not let the fear of rejection or the scale of competition to hold you back.
Success in football belongs to those who show up every single day with the willingness to learn, adapt and improve their previous effort.
