By Ephraim Oseji

Felix Akiojano is a former football defender from Nigeria. He played  for Pedro FC in Sapele, Concord FC Abeokuta and now coach of Jaipur football club of India. In this  interview with Sports Extravaganza, he revealed how he rose from grass to grace, his sojourn in India and why Nigeria needs to lay more emphasis on football academy. Excerpts:

“All my life, I have always known one thing, football. I can’t do without football. I started playing football in my neighbourhood in Sapele and later played in Surulere and several local areas in Lagos,”—-Akiojano

How did you become a coach in India?
I did some coaching course while I was still playing and also was coaching in the club academy at my leisure time, so it gave me a lot of insight about their games and what was lacking in their players. Since football is what I know how best to do, it was easier moving into coaching after playing for top club sides, and  I also want to give back all what I’ve learnt. And Indians being not good in football, I felt it was the right place to start as a coach because.I discovered so many things during my time as a player.  So many of the players needed help in terms of being taught the basic technique of the game and after that,  they started enjoying the game.

Here in India, every team has an academy with good facilities and pitches. Also, education and sports go side by side here. These young players must be made to understand that you can  combine both. When I was playing in Nigeria I knew of a young and brilliant player who should be in his early 20’s then. He went for trials in some top clubs abroad but got injured on the knee during one of the games. He was sent back and he treated the injury but the injury kept re-occurring that he can no longer play again at that young age. The most pathetic about the story  was the fact that,  he had low level of education and today he is doing casual job, it’s so bad.

Akiojano…addressing his players

What is outstanding about you compared to other coaches in India?
Being a foreigner that had played in my country for a long time, it was easier because,  I have the Nigerian style of play and also know their own style of play coupled with the European style, so I was able to harness all of them . When you look at foreign coaches like Jose Mournho, Wenger, Sir Alex Ferguson, who just retired, you will see that they are able to impact positively on their players both on and off the pitch. You have to be able to be a parent figure to your players, tell them what is good for them and also techniques and tactics which are very important. You have to know the strength and weakness of all your players because, certain matches require different players.

What were some of the challenges you had?
It was not easy doing the coaching course here because,  preference is given first to the Indians and also the language is a major challenge because, not all the players, staff and FA officials understand English.      So, communication was not easy for me. You see these players want to learn the basics of the game, they want to improve so because of their eagerness to learn it has made it easier for me. Secondly, as a coach, you have to take responsibility for your team, both the good and bad criticism from fans and you have to assess yourself in all areas and correct the mistakes.

The standard of the game?
The standard of football is growing, with lots of people and companies now showing interest in the development of the game here, since it’s a Cricket playing nation. Now, they are into a lot of grass root development to build the game, but its growing faster and the stadia are filled up during games.

What would you say was your toughest moment?
As a footballer who has played football all my life, it was really difficult taking the decision to finally stop playing football, when I know I am still fully fit to play. It wasn’t a day’s decision putting a stop to what you have been doing all your life. But getting a permanent coaching job really took me away from playing completely.

Can we know your thought About Nigerian football?
With the winning of the nations cup, the country has put its name on the football map again. Head  coach Stephen Keshi has really done a great job with the national team. As I said earlier, Nigeria has to look at the grassroots for players because Keshi was able to win the nations cup with local boys and again the league must be financially buoyant to attract foreign players to come and play.

Do you know that here in India there are so many Nigerians playing in this league. The likes of Ranty Martins who is the leagues top scorer with 26 goals to far, Odafa Okoli with 20 goals, Chidi Edeh 18 goals, Henry Ezeh, Nurudeen Salau, Muritala Subair, Penn Orji and so many others who are top scorers in their various clubs are all Nigerians. The most interesting fact is that, every club in India has two or more Nigerian players in their team and also the pay is far far better than what they pay in Nigeria

What is your football Philosophy?
Belief that with the right coaching, hard work and discipline, a player can get to the top of his career.

What lesson have you learn’t in life as a footballer?
That there is no short cut to success.

Best moments in football?
Signing my first professional contract as a footballer and coach

Saddest moments in football?
Losing any match. One thing with me is that I don’t like to lose a match. Even when I was a player, I never liked it.