By Kate Obodo

Growing up

My growing up wasn’t so different from other teenage person of my time who wanted to be appreciated by his parents, especially having to do the right things to gain their approval. In those days, there were few options in sports other than football. After going to school the next thing for the kids of those days is football.

Childhood Memories

One thing I really loved to do that didn’t go down well with my parents was my involvement in football. In those days, no parents wanted their children to play football unlike what obtains today. I came from a family of five boys and all of us were into football and my dad never approved  it.

In fact he forbade us to play football but my love for the sport would not allow me to  quit the game. Out of the five of us I was the one that was most dogged and committed to playing football and it got me on the wrong side of my parents. So many times I got flogged for this. Beside football I don’t think my had any other reason to beat me but luckily for me, my elder brother was in support and he encouraged me to go on.

How I coped

Then, I used to sneak out of the house, to play football. Sometimes I had to take my mom’s money to buy the Felele kind of ball which was in vogue then. And because of its soft nature, when it burst, I would run back to the house and take my mom’s money again and buy another one.

For me then, I didn’t see it as stealing but just borrowing from her, which I knew I would pay back someday (laughs). But when she asked, I would tell her I used it to buy ball and she would be very angry with me and said the money I took would serve as my allowance for that week. For my dad, no explanation would be enough as he would beat me mercilessly. But the most important thing is the fact that I was able to achieve my goal of becoming an international footballer

How the name ‘big BOSS’  originated

Big Boss was given to me by Nigerian journalists and that was during my playing days as the Super Eagles captain. Then, as a captain my dream was always to win and get results in every match that we played. And each time, I gathered my team-mates on the need for us to do better and succeed, it appeared as if  I were acting as a coach and a boss.

Eagles Coach, Keshi

And when journalists came to our camp and saw the way I was directing affairs of the team, they got surprised and thought I had a hierarchical commanding structure. One day, one of the journalists revealed to me that I always appear more like the boss each time I talk to my team-mates and that the players respect me a lot.

That was how they came up with the name ‘Big Boss’. Then, as a captain, I was very vocal the way I talked and also, I had a commanding presence which was good at determining what needed to be done and getting it done. And the good thing is that my team mates respected me. I think that was what prompted it. People say my size and height also contributed but I believe having a commanding presence contributed most.

Daily Routine

I start my day with the morning devotion after which I take my bath. As a player when I was in the camp, I woke up as early as 5.am to prepare for training, so as not to be late for training. Because if you got to the training late there was a certain amount of money that we were meant to pay; it could be in pounds, dollars or in naira but it was substantial enough to get you not to want to be late next time. It was good practice that instils discipline and I still abide by that philosophy up till date.

Secret of my looks at age 50

One thing I tried not to do is to over labour myself. I also try as much as possible to put smiles on my face no matter the situation and live a positive life rather than being negative. I also relax myself very well and sleep early.

Fashion and style

It is nice to have good fashion sense and style, but I don’t dress to follow fashion trends or traditions. For me, simplicity is what drives me most when it comes to fashion. Though, when I was growing up, I was crazier about suits, blazers, ties etc but now, I like the African attires, like Guinea brocade and other traditional wears.

For suits, I wear them once in a blue moon; I wear them most when I want to go for a television programme. I also wear jeans, T. shirt and long sleeves. I wear tracksuits only when I’m in the camp. I also like good and quality perfumes.

Mood and dressing

My mood does not change the way I dress. I dress as the occasion demands.

Priciest fashion Item

Prices are not what matters to me when buying clothes but the quality of the clothes. I don’t go crazy especially to impress people and buy the most expensive clothes just to impress.

Shoes and Jewellery

I like good shoes that are of genuine quality. Like I said earlier on, I don’t wear clothes or shoes to impress people neither do I buy shoes too expensive to impress some persons. Even if I am paid 1 billion dollars I can’t pay like $1000 for a pair of shoes. For me,  it is madness. I’m not a crazy type when it comes to fashion but I like fashion.

When it comes to Jewellery, I don’t wear it instead I wear my Rosary. It is not because I am a Catholic but because I find it better than Jewellery. I have beautiful ones that I bought abroad including the handmade which serves as my bracelets.

Smoke/drinking

I have never smoked but I take alcohol. But I drink more of red wine.

Me and women

Fortunately for me, I got married at the age of 21 in 1983 when my wife was 20 years old. Then I was just being made the captain of the team, I believe that limited my dating different girls. And because of the decision I took of marrying early, I lost some of my friends. They were not happy with my decision but it didn’t bother me because it was what I wanted. Though as a footballer you have many admirers, for me, that is all it is.

My decision to marry @ 21

My decision to marry at a very tender age was influenced by a coach in the then New Nigerian Bank Football Club, who told me that I could be a better player, if I could get a wife or somebody I could hook up with or else I would get carried away by the way girls flocked around me.

He said I would not last long in my football career if I continued with girls around me all the time. I thought it wise and I took to his words and since then, it has been wonderful with my wife, though tough. But marrying somebody you truly love, is a good thing, really she is truly a God-sent to me. So far the marriage has fetched us five children, two boys and three girls.

Meeting his wife

Yes, it was love at first sight. My wife and I didn’t date for long, before we got married. When I saw her, I knew she was my wife. I told her that she was my girl and I wanted to marry her, she was so surprised but later accepted, then we fell seriously in love and we still are till today. In fact, she is more like a sister to me now and has been the rock behind me and everything I do.

Coping with Super Eagles’ job without family who are in the USA

It is tough but my wife and I talk everyday. I just got back from the States two weeks ago. But we have never been apart before expect when Nigeria called me in 2009 to assist Bonferer Jo, that was when I started going outside without my family.

Outside coaching

I don’t go clubbing, I did that when I was a footballer, but if I’m in Nigeria I like watching African movies. When I’m in the USA I watch foreign movies, but I like reading a lot, especially inspirational books that reflects on our day to day life.

Best meal/fruits

I like any good and tasty African foods but I don’t have a specific one at heart. My favourite fruits are mango and orange.