Inspired by the success story of young Nigerian footballers, both at home and abroad, teenagers are training hard on the round leather, hoping to make a success of it. Around the neighbourhoods in many towns and cities across the country, teenage boys are seen after school hours playing football.

Adepoju Samson of Newbred Lilies School, Ikotun, whose role model is John Mikel Obi, enjoys playing football after school in order to improve on his football skills as he hopes to become a footballer someday. His words: “I like playing football because it makes me skillful and lively. I also like to play in the midfield.” Samson, 16-year-old JS 3 student, has also won the street trophy in 2006 with All Star FC under coach Saint Paul and he hopes to play for the national team and Barcelona FC of Spain in future. “My parents also support me by buying me a football every time I need one,” he added.

On his part, 15-year-old Azeez Adedayo plays in the defence for Sampo FC under Coach Rolick, while his elder brother, Adeyemi, also plays for the same club, which won the street championship in 2005. Adeyemi plays for physical fitness and also hopes to play at the highest level someday. “I like football because it creates physical and total fitness in me without undue fatigue,” he said. He also plays in the midfield position while he gets encouragements from his parents.

Adedayo, a student of Ijegun Comprehensive High School, sees nothing wrong with playing football after school. As he puts it: “It does not disturb my academic because there is enough time for me.”
Another aspiring football star is 15-year-old Sanusi Yusuf, whose parents want him to become an engineer. His football idol is Thierry Henry and he only plays football when he is less busy.

“I play for All Star FC, my parents are not supportive of football, they want me to read engineering which I’m working towards but I still hope to be a footballer if I’m given the chance,” he said. The SS 2 student of Saint Saviour’s High School, Ijegun, views football as a way of engaging the body in physical activities and exhibiting his talent.

Peter Olatunji, SS 2 student of Egan Senior Grammar School, Egan, also sees John Mikel Obi as his role model. According to Peter, “I like football because it creates fun and enjoyment.”
Playing in the attack for Adebayo FC under coach Adebayo, he hopes to give his all to the national team and any club he plays for in future, if given the chance. He has his parents support and also creates chances for practice after school by doing his house chores and school assignments on time.

Like Peter, Samuel Olatunji wants to play football at the highest level. A JS2 student of Ijegun High School, Samuel feels that the government is not doing enough to develop football at the grassroots. He said, “my parents really want me to play football but they can’t afford to register me in the popular clubs like Pepsi, so I train after school with my friends at All Star Football Club.” He called on government to sponsor more of street competitions.