He started his football career like every other aspiring footballers. He could have being celebrated as one of the best Nigeria attackers like Emem Uduok, Gbolahon Salami, Udoh and Osaghona, but chooses to man the sticks to deny attackers from scoring. In this exclusive interview with our reporter, Giwa Football Club goalkeeper, Ojo Olorunleke, an indigene of Kabba in Kogi State, reveals how his colleagues always mistaken him to be an Igbo boy, how he had to speak his native language to convince them he’s from Confluence State and the beauty nature of his state. He explains how he could have been filing suits at the law court which was his father’s wish, but decided to venture into football. To him and to those who follow his progress, it wasn’t a regrettable decision.
Read on:
Q: How did your career started?
I started my football career right from my school days, because as a child I have always loved and dream to be a footballer. So, I was schooling and at the same time practice all school football activities and today it’s becoming a reality of a child’s dream.
Q: Can you let us know your educational background?
I started my Primary school from Sacred Heart Nursery and Primary School, Kabba. From there, I proceeded to St. Augustine Secondary School Kabba for my O’level where I made all my papers but opted to pursue my football career after the Secondary School Certificate. I still have a plan to continue with my higher institution as soon as I get a better Offer to travel abroad maybe on Part-time education bases, by God Grace.
Q: Your appearance does not reflect you as a Kogite, have you ever been questioned about your background?
Yes, (smiles) seriously I have been challenged on number of occasions about my state of origin. Some will say I’m an Igbo guy, others will say I look like a guy from South-south. But I will tell them in my native language I’m from Kogi State. “Omo okun kun me haa, omo Kogi ko rimi (I am an Okun boy, I am truly a Kogite). I used to let them know how proud I am as a Kogite. Both of my parents are from Edumo in Kabba-Bunu Local Governments. Interestingly, my state is where Nigeria got her name as a country, my state is the centre of the country, the two notable rivers (River Niger and River Benue) meet in my state plus other notable things that make it stand out among other states in Nigeria. My body and soul are from Kogi State and I will always be proud to be a Kogite any day anytime.
Q: with this name, Leke Ojo that has become a regular one on the lips of everyone and through the media, can you lead us through your sojourn in football with the clubs you’ve played for?
I started my football career from KABU FC in Kabba, Kogi State. And I have an excellent spell with Clubs such as ROYAL FC in Ilorin, Kwara State, OUK in Umuahia, Abia State, VON FC in Abuja, ZAMFARA United, and presently at GIWA FC in Jos, Plateau State to d Glory of God.
Q: How many years have you spent in Giwa FC?
I joined the team October 2012. So, this is my second season with them.
Q: So did your parents support your decision to venture into football?
Well, at first, they were both not in support, especially my Dad who is a lecturer and wanted me to become a lawyer. I remember those time he will come to the school to chase me from where we use to play football at St Augustine Secondary School in Kabba, Kogi State. But at the long run, those who have noticed my talent and passion for the game as a child advised him to let me pursue my dream. So, they both became very supportive. In fact my Dad today is one of my strong back bones in terms of advice and every other supports the game required. My parents are very supportive to me.
Q: What prompted your decision to be a goalkeeper and not an outfield player?
I can play area, outfield and goal keeping but like I said earlier I had a dream as a child. I remember the day I watched one of Peter Rufai, Alloy Agu, and great Ike Shoroumu’s clip. I love what they did and I said to myself I will love to stop the ball like these guys does. I want to do it so that people will watch me and sing my praises too. I want to dive on the field to grab the ball from going into the net. I love their moves, the way they shout at the defenders. I was moved by their role on the field and love to be like them. In fact, VINCENT ENYEAMA was among the keepers who made me to choose goal keeping while he was still playing fro Enyimba those days in the Nigeria League. I think my height also contributed to my choice too because I want to believe I have all the physical appearance of a goal keeper, though many who have watched me play the outfield area argued that am better as an outfield player than a goalkeeper. But I prefer to be a goal keeper.
Q: Having watched the clips of all these veterans and legends in your department, who would you; take as your role model in goal keeping?
Wow! In Nigeria, it’s no other person than VINCENT ENYEAMA who I personally called SENIOR STAR because am SUPER STAR. I like the way he does his Job on the field and his life style is an example to we young goalkeepers, such a simple, humble, and an easy going person. In Europe, MANUEL NEUER is my role model. I always watch clips of both Vincent Enyeama and Manuel Neuer to help me improve my game. I learn from their moves, timing, and kicks and watch their mistakes to avoid same as well.
Q: Your club, Giwa FC took the league by storm, churning out good results both home and away, what’s the secret behind Giwa’s sudden rise?
There is no other secret behind Giwa Fc success than God Almighty that does not leave nor disappoint his own people and hard work. Every one in Giwa Fc knows they have a role to play in the club. In Giwa Fc, we work, fast, and pray together including the chairman as a family every two days before every match both Home or at Away, irrespective of your religion or family background, with we are one. The coaches always do their work and the players are always ready to also learn. We are one body in Giwa FC and that’s why we have always succeeded together. Our chairman Ambassador Chris Giwa(Big Daddy) as I use to call him, has always been supportive financially to ensure the game achieve it aims.
Q: You’re now in one of the national teams in the country (Flying Eagles) what are your plans to sustain it and to move to the main team (Super Eagles)?
My plan is to put in my best and make the final cut for the Nations Cup and World Cup with the team. I pray and work hard everyday to improve my game. I want to do well with the U-20 team and get promoted to the senior National team that is the Super Eagles by God grace.
Q: Do you think you have what it takes to compete with the best in the league and national team?
Yes I do! I have never for once doubted my choice to be a goalkeeper because I know to the glory of God I have the quality to succeed as a goalkeeper. With more and continuous hard work and prayer I know can. I have been voted as NPFL goalkeeper of the week 9 times more than any other keepers this season, and my target is to settle for the goalkeeper of the season in my debut Premier League Football. Also my dream is to one day wear the senior Green White Green jersey for the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the National team. I can’t just wait to get the invitation to challenge my role model Super Vincent Enyeama at the Super Eagles. I want his blessings and it will be a dream come true to play with him.
Q: What are your plans to take your career abroad and what club would you like to man the sticks for?
God has helped me already to make a statement in Nigeria League to some extent and will love to play abroad soon. My dream is to play for my favorite club Manchester United. I want to by the Grace of GOD be the first Nigerian to play for the Red Devils.
Q: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years in goal keeping?
By the special grace of God in Heaven, I see myself playing abroad and at the National Level playing for the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Q: So how do you relax or unwind?
I thank God for not being the going out type. I relax most of the time in my room in the camp or at home when ever am opportune to travel home.
Q: Finally, what does life mean to you and what are your plans to settle down, that is having a family?
To me life is so beautiful and flamboyant. Well, every man will want to have a family which even I too shall one day do. But for now I just want to concentrate and get somewhere more comfortable in my career.
Thanks for your time.
Thank God. You’re welcome.
