This days, it will be a thing of joy for parents to hear that their wards were invited to any of the national teams.

But for young Adebayo Gbadebo, the reverse was his case. As his parents stopped paying his school fees in his final year at the University of Ibadan for playing football and got invited to the Super Eagles.

Speaking as a Guest to the monthly Ex-University of Ibadan Footballers Association virtual interactive session, Gbadebo who is now a Pro-licensed coach in Thailand said “my parents did not support my going into Football. I was discouraged, though they knew that I was good in the game, but my father stood against it. The parents then only wants you to read and go to school all through. I thank God for that, if not I could not be here today as a graduate from the Premier University in Nigeria. I thank God for a father who will take his stand at every point, and remained on it”.

Adebayo who is the Head Coach of Suphanburi in the Thailand Premier League said his father warned him seriously not to play football in the University, but contrary to his expectations, he started playing for his hall of residence same week he resumed in the school, and played for the school team same year “I was playing for several clubs like 7Up FC, Union Bank FC and Railways FC. It was when I was with Railway that they decided to play in the second tier of the league then, and they moved the team to Lagos. When we went to NUGA games in Port Harcourt, I was selected to join the Super Eagles in camp. I was in the hall one afternoon, I was told that my father was looking for me. He came all the way from Lagos. I took him to my room, he brought out a newspaper and showed me a page, while asking me if that was my name among the players invited to Super Eagles camp. I answered in affirmative, he left there and then. I was in final year then. That was the end of his sponsoring me in school. Because, I disobeyed his order”

“I was not much bothered then, because I had a team, Railway FC, that were ready to pay me some sign-on fees, and good salary, I had to rough everything though, it involved my traveling to Lagos daily to train with the team. It also made me to remain focused to achieve what my parents doesn’t like, and what they liked. I was happy that at the end of the day, I did not disappoint them, neither did I disappoint myself “.

He finally advocated that combining football and education is a personal issue, that the player would need to organize himself based on what he needs” it all depends on the quality of the player. If you are good, clubs will come for you and support you on how to succeed in your education. But, if you do not have the qualities, just concentrate on your education and finish up ” he concluded.

Osun United on Saturday, defeated Stationery Stores of Lagos by two goals to one in a mouthwatering encounter at the Agege Township Stadium, Lagos where 3 goals were scored within 3 minutes by the two sides in the Week 3 fixtures of the ongoing Nigeria National League (NNL).

The Omoluabi Giants, who were held at home by Nnewi United last weekend knew what was at stake and had prepared fully to cover up for the two points.

After several golden opportunities were wasted by the Omoluabi Giants, the captivating and amazing moment began in the 42nd minute when Danladi Abdulazeez puts United ahead through a header after Stores goalkeeper, Semiu Adegboyega’s misdirected Dennis Meshach’s shot to an onrushing Danladi.

United’s fans at the Soccer Temple hardly finished their jubilation when their former player, Akorede Mahmud levelled up for the ‘Flaming Flamingoes’ with a beautiful header after connecting a well tailored cross by Ikechukwu Sunday from the left flank in the 43rd minute.

United also took the ball to the half of Stores by Hakeem Olalere and his move paid off as Yomi Olaoke combined skillfully with Danladi’s pass to slot-in the second goal in the 44th minute and secure the lead for the visitors before the break.

There were several one on one chances wasted by Osun United in the second half while the hosts threatened with attempts by Ifeanyi Iheme, Mahmud and Ekene Ejike, who were prevented from causing havoc by Jerry Okon and Eze Chibuna, who replaced the injured Akilapa Olusola.

Osun United have their shot stopper, Arinze Okoro to thank by denying hosts the chance to level up as he dived well to save Williams Ayuba’s penalty in the 88th minute after Jerry Okon was adjudged to have blocked a shot with his hand from a scramble.

With the result, Stationery Stores are yet to record a win in three matches as they have lost two and drawn one while Osun United are unbeaten in three matches, drawing two and winning one.

The Omoluabi Giants will host another unbeaten side, Vandresser FC in Osogbo on Saturday March 6 in the week 4 fixtures while the ‘Flaming Flamingoes’ face another herculean task as they will welcome the unbeaten Group B1 leader, Shooting Starts Sports Club of Ibadan to the Soccer Temple the same day.

Tajudeen Amodu
Media Officer
Osun United