Former Super Eagles midfielder Seyi Olofinjana says it was difficult combining football with school activities during his early days as a professional.
Olofinjana, who has a degree in chemical engineering from the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology started his caeer with Crown FC of Ogbomosho.
The 39-year-old later moved to Kwara United where he gained recognition as one of the best midfielders in the Nigeria Professional Football League.
“It was a very difficult thing combining professional football with academics, but I was lucky and privileged, because the two clubs I played for while in Nigeria weren’t so far away from my school,” Olofinjana stated in one of Nigeria’s foremost Sports Whatsapp Group, Family United by Football (FUBF).
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“Crown FC was in Ogbomoso, where my school was and still is, Kwara United was in Ilorin, which was just thirty minutes away from from school.
“I had the grace and privilege of playing for a Premier League club, even while still in school, it came with a lot of responsibilities and I was able to cope because I was so determined to and I must say, I am reaping the benefits now.
“It was indeed challenging, lost a lot of friends because I had no time for them, i was too busy with school and football. I have no regrets, I am glad I could achieve success in both.”
Olofinjana, who featured for clubs in Norway and England during his professional career, was capped 48 times by Nigeria.
He is currently the Loans Pathway Manager at Wolves.
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COMMENTS
You have not lied Oga Olofinjana. I can relate, and I really doff my hat for you. Going all the way to MSc Subsea Engineering level while still seriously involved in football and afterwards chasing your UEFA badges is simply out of this world…the stuff of super-humans if you ask me. Seyi also holds an Executive Masters in Sport Directorship (MSD) from Manchester Metropolitan University and has been coaching at Wolverhampton wanderers since 2015.
In all fairness, these are the ones who should be Asst. Coach of the SE…..he is an ex-international, highly educated, played to the highest levels, been in coaching and management since 2015 and on his way to obtaining his UEFA Pro license. Not people who have been clubbing since 2014 when they retired from football.
Not people who have been clubbing, doing fashion parade and frying their hair upandan like Xmas goat. Lol
Hahahahaha…that statement by the sports minister that current SE players train under the best coaches, and a situation where the players are ‘sounder than the coach’ should be avoided, was a subtle jab at those who foisted Mr 100 caps on us. Lolz
Amen to that.
But you know Nigeria now; especially the Nigeria of 2015 till date. An innate suspicion of experts and a propensity to embrace mediocrity and sycophancy.
Quota system kind of things…
But water always find its level. This guy is headed to the top both in the UK and here at home. Its just a matter of time.
I really salute his courage. It is very rare.
Sheer determination, and hard work couple with the Grace of God always aid one’s success. Am happy for you brother, now you reaping the success. You got your eufa batch, some of ur mates then was busy doing fashion, only to be claiming entitlement simply because they are 100 caps ex international
Very good player!!
Well done Mr Seyi.It takes a lot of strength and determination achieve such.Kudos to you once again .