"The Natural Love or Passion I Have for Football I Think Spurs Me on,” says John

 

Okocha Josephine

In an interview with the News Editor of NAPS Press, Agbetuyi John, also known as Papi, a glorified striker and a terror to his opponents, gives an insight into his football expedition, his achievements, and his driving force.

Press: Good day sir, please can we meet you?

John: I’m John Oluwatimilehin Agbetuyi, a 300-level student in the Department of Philosophy

Press: Apart from a regular philosophy student, what other thing (extracurricular) did you or do you do in the department?

John: Well, I’m a freelance content writer and I also play football for the department’s football team as well as the UI school team

Press: So, we have seen and heard of the football prowess of John, sometimes called Papi, on the pitch and I want to say, it is really impressive.

Press: The videos of your epic goals for Philosophy, sometimes assisted by Awolowo have been a sensation among University of Ibadan football lovers and even beyond. How did you get to that level of professionalism?

John: Well, it has always been a matter of dedication and commitment to something that I love to describe as my first love. Training with consistency, even on days when it’s not convenient. Making sacrifices and turning up every time also contributes a lot to this.

But I think most important is the natural love or passion I have for football that I think spurs me on the most.

Press: Wow, I can sense a lot of affection and fondness for football from this. So, apart from the school team and departmental team, do you or did you play anywhere else?

John: Not since I got admitted into UI. It’s almost impossible to play with any other team atm because of the bulky school schedule and other commitments. But yes I’ve played in a couple of teams prior to UI

Press: If you don’t mind, can you mention a few?

John: I trained with Eleven Eagles at the challenge in Ibadan for a while and, Eminence Fc in Mowe, which happens to be my church football team. Also, these days I play with UI FC from time to time.

Press: Your team just won the UI Seals Cup. During the highs and lows of the tournament, did you doubt your team’s ability to win?

John: The tournament is obviously always going to remain one of my best experiences in this school. It was fantastic all through.  I’ve never doubted the quality of our talents as individual players and collectively as a team, but I must admit I was positively surprised with our resolve and fighting spirit both of which were tested time and time again. And every time we showed up.

The best part for me its how our lowest point as a team (losing to MBBS) became fuel for our unstoppable charge to victory. Personally, though, my favorite moment was my goal against EME. Felt on top of the world after that one.

Press: Have you won any special prizes in UI football, like Golden Boot or MVP? And what was it?

John: Yes. In my freshman year, I won the ‘Most Promising Talent award during the inter-hall competition for Bello Hall. I was also the winner of last year’s Golden Boot Award in the SEALS Cup. Came close this year too but it wasn’t to be.

Last year, after we finished runners-up I said I’d trade my Golden boot for a gold medal if I could, guess God was listening

Press: That’s really good, I sense a team spirit, right there. How has it been juggling school and football?

John: I was asked this by a friend a few days ago and the answer remains the same; ‘if I knew I’d tell you, it’s just God’s grace’

Press: What message do you have for your fans?

John: A chance to say thank you to the fans. I just want to acknowledge their incredible support throughout the tournament. It’s easier to fight for something special when you have ride-or-die fans like ours on your side and behind you.

Press: Thank you very much for your time.

John: You’re welcome.