dreaming, so while I breathe I will continue
to hope for the best.
What are your memories of the Nigeria
Under-17 victory at the 2013 World Cup?
Scoring the two goals against Uruguay in the
quarter-finals with the support of my
team-mates. We had a great team spirit and
camaraderie. I remember us gathering at
midnight on the eve of a game to pray together.
The bond was unbelievable and our unbeaten
journey towards the final was a collective effort.
The moment we won the World Cup after
beating Mexico in the final was an
unforgettable day – it was the beginning of our
life journey as footballers.
Was there a particular moment in your
youth when you thought that you would
make it as a professional?
To be honest, I was just a boy playing on the
streets of Ilorin [western Nigeria] before joining
a local club [United Academy]. We always did
everything ourselves and trekked several miles
to training. I sometimes repaired my own
football boots, same as my friends. We had no
idea what the future would hold.
That moment never came. I was only pushed
on by my strong faith to believe that time
would come to change my story. Happily it did
with the Nigeria Under-17s.
Who has been the biggest influence on
your career so far?
My entire family have had the biggest impact.
My wife, and three other special people: my
first coach in Ilorin, Abdulrasak Olojo, and my
mentors at the academy, Seyi Olofinjana and
Bankole Atiba.What’s the best piece of advice someone
has given you?
Never let go of your belief, and always
remember where you come from.How do you reflect
on the pandemic
and what are the
lessons you’ve
learned from it?
The virus summarises
how fickle life is.
Nobody saw it coming,
but great kudos to all the doctors and nurses in
this difficult period. We should all appreciate
and love each other while we still can. No one
knows what the situation will be tomorrow and
hopefully it will get better for us all because it
has turned everything upside down.How do you think football has been
changed by COVID?
The pandemic has changed the game a lot.Looking at my present club and their
passionate fans and the love they have for this
team; it’s unfortunate that they can’t be in the
stadium to watch our decent run in the league.
A lot of people want to witness the
atmosphere in real time. We can only hope and
pray that things return back to normal soon, for
us all to be reunited and enjoy the beautiful
game. Life is not the same without fans
because they are the heartbeat and soul of the
game.What has it been like for a young Nigerian
living and playing in Germany?
I have always loved being in Germany because
it is the first place I started my professional
football with FSV Frankfurt. It’s very organised,
quiet and a disciplined society. Without noise
and distractions, it allows you to focus on what
you are there for and that helps mentally.How is your reading and speaking German
coming along?
Not perfect. It is getting better, I can’t really
speak much but I understand a little bit and
mostly all the football terms. I hope to get
better.Despite your busy schedule you’ve been
doing some online courses. Why have you
taken this step?
I already have a diploma in business
administration and marketing management.
Now I’m doing my Bachelor of Science in
business administration. My parents wanted
their children to go to school and for me to be
a doctor, despite our difficult situations
financially. I remember the first meeting about
my trip, leaving home to the Imperial Soccer
Academy.My dad’sonlyquestion wastoask
[academy owners] Seyi Olofinjana and Bankole
Atiba if I’d be allowed to go to school, it is that
important to my family.
I always enjoy learning and you can’t
play football forever. That is what
prompted me to start some online
courses.
Interview by Oluwashina OkelejiDerby day...The striker was on target against Hertha Berlin in December“My dream has always been to play in the
Premier League and it’s why I signed for
Liverpool...but if leaving will facilitate it,
why not?”World Cup winner...
Awoniyi celebrates
scoring against
Uruguay at the U17
World Cup in 2013