My Own Blood Brother Discouraged Me From Playing Football.- Ademola Adesina

Ademola grew up to become one of the toughest footballers Nigeria has produced . His story is quite unlike any other , filled with passion and determination despite all the adversities he faced from his family . It only made the footballer stronger .

Ademola Adeshina started football an early age against the wish of his parents. Driven by the passion he had for the game, he persisted and went on to play for his secondary school after which he got invitation to play for Igbalaye FC of Oshogbo and later NEPA FC, also of Oshogbo. In the semi- final against Algeria, Green Eagles (as Nigerian national team was then called), Ademola Adesina was controversially sent off.

The striker said in an interview that back in the day, his parents were all about books and absolutely no football. His brother, Olatunji Adesina, was on the same page, trying to keep him away from the game. He would  come home bruised from playing, only to get a beating before they’d even treat his injuries.

“But nothing could kill my love for football  I kept playing, even in secondary school, where I made the school team. Soon enough, clubs in Oshogbo started calling. That’s when my parents and brother finally gave in and let me chase my dream” he said .

The trajectory of Adesina’s career took a significant turn when he received his first call-up to the national team. This momentous occasion was the result of his impressive performance at the 1981 National Sports Festival, which was hosted in the then-Bendel State. It was here that his exceptional abilities caught the attention of Eto Amaechina, one of the esteemed coaches of the Green Eagles.

Amaechina’s keen eye for talent recognized Adesina’s potential, setting the stage for his future contributions to the national team. This discovery marked a turning point, propelling Adesina towards a path of national recognition and further opportunities in his football career.