By Abdul Momoh
* Austin festus Osemwenkhae also known as Agada koboko, is the former captain of Rivers United Football Club and doubles as the team Coordinator. In this interview with Abdul Momoh, the coordinator highlights the evolution and progress of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and urges stakeholders to expedite its development, noting that the NPFL has been concentrating on aligning with global standards, increasing transparency, and enhancing commercial value, among other related aspects*
Tell us about your parents and your growing up experience?
“I was born into the Festus Osemekhai family of six children, three boys and three girls. My late father was a civil servant while my mum was into business, I wasn’t lucky to experience fatherly love because he died while I was still very young. My mum was the only one who catered for us with no support from my late father’s family. I had to abandon my father’s wish of becoming a medical doctor for football due to lack of financial support, I had super eagles players like Austin Eguavoen who lived very close to our house in Benin to look up to at the time. We actually played out of passion without knowing we’d eventually make a living from football
I was lucky to join a grassroot team called Bukas FC. I also got lucky to be picked as an outstanding defender in my first competition with the team, that went a long way to later shape my career as a footballer. I played inter-school, inter-state, national sports festival, National team under-17 competitions. I featured in the Meridian Cup in Turkey where Nigeria won a silver medal, I also played in the Nations cup in Gambia in 2005 before I joined Bendel Insurance”
Kindly provide us with an overview of your professional journey.
I was lucky to join a grassroot team called Bukas FC. I also got lucky to be picked as an outstanding defender in my first competition with the team, that went a long way to later shape my career as a footballer.
I played inter-school, inter-state, national sports festival, National team under-17 competitions. I featured in the Meridian Cup in Turkey where Nigeria won silver medal. I also played in the Nations Cup in Gambia in 2005 before I joined Bendel Insurance
The NPFL clubs you played for and your achievements?
I won the League twice, with Dolphins and later with Rivers United. I also won the Super Cup with Rivers United. Runners up in the FA Cup, Silver medal in the Meridian cup and for the national team.
Rivers United is doing well, kindly elaborate on their success?
Rivers United is the only club that have been giving hope to Nigerians when it comes to continental engagement. The team is highly rated and doing well due to the welfare package for players.
Your parting words for the Government of Rivers State towards football development?
First of all, Rivers State Government remains the best in terms of welfare packages. I played all my career in the Nigeria league and I have lots of friends in other states and clubs. What I have achieved in Rivers State cannot be compared to other states.
Car gifts and handsome cash rewards are generously given to footballers and athletes..I urge the Rivers State Government to continue to encourage sports and football particularly.
What is your take on the recent fracas at the Kwara stadium involving your Rivers United?
Sincerely, Kwara is a state I always love to play football during my playing days because of the atmosphere. It was unfortunate what happened the last time that I went as an official. I think the lack of crowd control and inadequate security contributed largely to the ugly incident.
What state are you really from?
I’m from Edo state. The name Agada was a nickname given to me as a result of my bow-leg.
What is your advice to upcoming footballers
My advice for them is to believe in themselves and remain disciplined. They should stay focused and prepare for life after football.
Kindly speak more on ‘life after football
I always engage active players to take the route I took. Many active players don’t know there’s life after their football career. They always believe Europe is a final destination and refuse to save/invest from what they currently earn in the local league. Many now turn to beggars at the end when their European dream never materializes.
Super Eagles failed to qualify for the world cup, but gave a good account of themselves at the just concluded Nations Cup. How would you rate the present crop of Super Eagles?
Currently we have a good team, all we need is to ensure continuity and the future will be brighter for the Super Eagles
You came to Ilorin with Rivers United and you presented a gift to a wheel bound young man at the Kwara stadium, what informed that gesture?
From my playing days, I always believe in giving back to the society. It was unfortunate that I couldn’t make it to Europe where I would’ve made lots of money. I would have established a foundation to cater for the destitute and engage people like Victor Inioluwa to reduce their economic hardship.
I have his likes in Kano, Benin, Benue and everywhere supporting the NPFL even in their disabilities. They are always in my mind, so after the games I always love to share from the little I have with them just to make them happy. It has been part of me even when I was playing”
How would you rate the NPFL?
The NPFL is growing, but we need to accelerate the growth. The government needs to put more money to make the league more attractive for quality players from all over the world.