Nigeria born footballer,a former Enugu Rangers,Rivers united, Sunshine stars and Dynamo FC, D’abomey in Benin republic midfielder Kehinde Adedipe, in this exclusive interview with ISAAC AFOLABI, drop some peace of advise for new super eagles coach Eric Chelle,organisers of the Nigeria premier football league NPFL and many more personal and inspiring gist.
His inspiring story from Akure to the stardom,advise for upcoming footballer and vision after retirement from active football is encouraging.
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Let’s start with this,Tell us more about yours and some of the teams you have played for
I’m m Kehinde Adedipe ,I a native of Akure ondo state Nigeria.
I have played for Rising stars football club of Akure ,Ekiti united,Sunshine stars ,Enugu Rangers,Rivers united,Shooting stars , Gombe united,cynosure fc all in Nigeria,I’m currently playing for
Dynamo FC, D’abomey in Benin republic
This profile looks more interesting what about the leagues you have taken part in….
I have participated in the Nigeria amateur league, Nigeria National league,Nigeria premier league, caf confederations cup and national fa cup.
What are your motivation having started playing from the grassroot in Akure Ondo state to this present stage?
My greatest strength motivation has been my family right from my grassroots my parents have been supporting me and my wife and kids have been my greatest strength
Playing in the caf competitions is one of my greatest accomplishments as a football player because that’s the highest competition in Africa which is the dream of any African player
Well.
You have played football outside Nigeria,what does it feel like and what are your experiences
Playing outside Nigeria isn’t not something really different since we all play football just that the strength and the pace of the league differs,the organisation, coordination and standard is worth emulating.
You have played so well across stadia in Nigeria and met with football stakeholders,what would you say are some of the challenge players are facing?
The challenges in the Nigeria premier football league NPFL for me has been the players welfare and management in the sense that in Nigeria league they can sign a player at the beginning of the season without having his contract paper and they will sack the player any time and that’s the end he won’t have the right to fight for his entitlement because he doesn’t have any contract paper to fight for his right and I think any time a player signed for a club he should be giving his contract paper.But I must say that the new organisers of the NPFL led by Mr Gbenga Elegbeleye has been doing well to reposition,make it attractive, instill discipline in the league which I think Is commendable.
Look into your crystal ball and tell us some of your most memorable moments playing football in the NPFL
My memorable moment in the NPFL was the day I scored my first goal 🥅 against Awka united at the Akure sports complex and my favorite teams are all the clubs I played for because all the clubs made me who I am today.
Many players have some teams they fancy and love to be someday,which team do you love in Europe?
My favorite team in Europe is the only invisible team in England Arsenal football club of England,the team is everything to me,I love thier style of playing, history and developmental programs and believing in younger players.
Now tell us what we should expect someday in the future anytime we remember KEHINDE ADEDIPE in football
Well, I see myself playing in a higher leagues in Europe soon by the special grace of God and I hope to be a FIFA licensed football agent after retirement as well.
The NFF just appointed a new coach,Mr Eric Chelle,any advise for him in selecting home based players for national duty.
Sure,I will always support the inclusion of the home based players because it will help them to improve their games both physically and psychological because when they train and play with players abroad their mentality of the game will change which will help them and also it will bring in competition among the players to get the best because super eagles must reclaim it’s top spot in African football.
Before we end this interview you have anything to say to the organisers of our NPFL?
What I think NPFL organisers are trying Thier best but they should televise more of our matches to the world and transmit them on radio as well to further popularize the game, attract sponsors, promote good officiating and improved on players welfare and security at match venues. This will really help us.
Lastly some years ago a tragic incident happened to Sunshine stars(Your home team) when gunmen attacked them which let to the death of Taye Dosunmo one of the officials. What was your immediate reaction?
My dear brother,It was indeed a very sad day for me because I was away with my club Dynamo FC, D’abomey in Benin republic but I’m still part of them because the club made me the person I am today and not quite long after I spoke to a member of the traveling team and not up to 20 minute later the news got to me that they were attacked which some of them were shot and later led to the death of one of the loyal boys, the team curator.
I’m still very sad about the incident because the boy that lost his life will be greatly missed for his dedication, passion for the team and he was friendly to everyone.
May his soul Rest In Peace ✌️
Taye Dosunmu my guy.
