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December 8th, 2010 | 
Author: Till date, United States-based Nathaniel Ogedegbe thinks and dreams football. From his elementary education at Ladi Lak Primary School down to St Finbarr’s College at Akoka, Lagos, where he had his post elementary services, the young Ogedegbe was adored for his football skill. His passion for the sport is so strong that all his children now follow his footsteps, playing for various schools and clubs in America, including the Virginia State Olympic Development Program.
For the young Ogedegbe, the seed of his football career was planted, watered and nurtured at St Finbarr’s between 1973 and 1978, when he formed a “killer squad” with the likes of Henry Nwosu, Muyiwa Oshuntolu and Stephen Keshi to rule Lagos State in the prestigious Principal’s Cup and the Academicals. Ogedegbe was so good in the round leather game that he and the gang won the Principal’s Cup for St Finbarr’s in 1978, beating Zumratul Islamiya Grammar School 2-0 in the final. That was after losing on two occasions to CMS Grammar School – in 1976 and 1977.
He was also part of the Lagos State Academicals team to the 1977 edition of the competition in Enugu, where they lost to Rivers State in the semi-finals. His exploits in both the Principal’s Cup and the Academicals attracted handlers of the Flying Eagles, who invited him alongside Humphrey Edobor, Henry Nwosu, Franklin Howard, Sylvanus Okpala, Stephen Keshi and Bright Omokaro to the team in 1979. Ogedegbe was later invited to the Green Eagles in the build-up to the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations, though he did not play in the competition proper.
Before then, he had played for the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) Football Club in Lagos, and later for the National Bank FC under the tutelage of coach Daniel Ajibode. Since 1993, Ogedegbe has been the Director of Flawless Soccer Academy in the United States (U.S.), where he runs camps and clinics for young American footballers. His programme on speed and condition, tactical and technical skills has promoted several American players to Division One in the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) teams.
Speaking with GOWON AKPODONOR from his base in Virginia, Ogedegbe narrates the story of his life, admitting that his engagement in school sports laid a solid foundation for his life. He equally challenged officials of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to always engage experienced and licensed coaches to develop young Nigerian players to enable them realise their dreams of becoming leaders of tomorrow.
For the young Ogedegbe, the seed of his football career was planted, watered and nurtured at St Finbarr’s between 1973 and 1978, when he formed a “killer squad” with the likes of Henry Nwosu, Muyiwa Oshuntolu and Stephen Keshi to rule Lagos State in the prestigious Principal’s Cup and the Academicals. Ogedegbe was so good in the round leather game that he and the gang won the Principal’s Cup for St Finbarr’s in 1978, beating Zumratul Islamiya Grammar School 2-0 in the final. That was after losing on two occasions to CMS Grammar School – in 1976 and 1977.
He was also part of the Lagos State Academicals team to the 1977 edition of the competition in Enugu, where they lost to Rivers State in the semi-finals. His exploits in both the Principal’s Cup and the Academicals attracted handlers of the Flying Eagles, who invited him alongside Humphrey Edobor, Henry Nwosu, Franklin Howard, Sylvanus Okpala, Stephen Keshi and Bright Omokaro to the team in 1979. Ogedegbe was later invited to the Green Eagles in the build-up to the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations, though he did not play in the competition proper.
Before then, he had played for the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) Football Club in Lagos, and later for the National Bank FC under the tutelage of coach Daniel Ajibode. Since 1993, Ogedegbe has been the Director of Flawless Soccer Academy in the United States (U.S.), where he runs camps and clinics for young American footballers. His programme on speed and condition, tactical and technical skills has promoted several American players to Division One in the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) teams.
Speaking with GOWON AKPODONOR from his base in Virginia, Ogedegbe narrates the story of his life, admitting that his engagement in school sports laid a solid foundation for his life. He equally challenged officials of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to always engage experienced and licensed coaches to develop young Nigerian players to enable them realise their dreams of becoming leaders of tomorrow.
FROM a humble beginning, Nathaniel Ogedegbe kicked off his sporting career in the ever-bustling Bariga in Lagos State, where his passion for soccer was fanned. Though his father, the late Benjamin Akunbo Ogedegbe, was from Warri in Delta State, the young Ogedegbe was born at Mercy Hospital in Lagos and brought up in the city. Even before the commencement of his elementary education at Ladi Lak Primary School in the mid-1960s, he had set a target for himself in sports.
“I started playing football with my elder brother, Isaiah Kehinde Ogedegbe, a former assistant general manager with NEPA at our house on Moloney Street in Ebutte Metta,” Ogedegbe revealed. “Then, we would go to Evans Square to play when there were no scheduled games. My brother used to tell me about a player called Shaibu, who played for his former primary school (St Paul’s Catholic School, Apapa Road). Shaibu was the best player around Ebutte Metta at that time.”
“I started playing football with my elder brother, Isaiah Kehinde Ogedegbe, a former assistant general manager with NEPA at our house on Moloney Street in Ebutte Metta,” Ogedegbe revealed. “Then, we would go to Evans Square to play when there were no scheduled games. My brother used to tell me about a player called Shaibu, who played for his former primary school (St Paul’s Catholic School, Apapa Road). Shaibu was the best player around Ebutte Metta at that time.”
Ogedegbe’s parents soon relocated from Ebutte Metta in Lagos Mainland to Yaba, where he attended Ladi Lak. As a teenager aiming for something great in soccer, the impact of relocating to a new ground did not stop him from his trade. Instead, it provided him an opportunity to make new friends, as he narrates: “Then, the best teams every kid wanted to play for were the Black Stars and the Oduduwa Club.
“There were several tournaments and I played in various places like Teku, Campus, Alabebe, Eledu, Surulere, Oke Ira, Loco – Railway Station field at Yaba and Alagomeji, Iwaya, City College, Ogba Zik and Mushin. There were various categories as the babies, intermediates and the senior teams.”
The young Ogedegbe became so popular in Yaba and its environs and his mesmerising dribbles in the midfield made captains of the various youth teams fall on one another in their bid to lure him. He recalled: “I remember going with my friend, Muyiwa Oshuntolu, to play a game at Teku. We were one goal up when someone in the crowd struck me on the head with a cider glass bottle. I was bleeding seriously and the game was stopped.
“A majority of the people watching the game dispersed for fear that my parents might hold them responsible. And since my parents did not know that I had sneaked out to play football, I could not go home directly. Someone treated me and my parents did find out. Till this moment, I still have a scar from that glass bottle.”
According to him, listening to radio commentaries during the Principal’s Cup was a great motivation in his tender age. And so, when he was old enough, he formed the habit of sneaking from home to watch games at the Onikan Stadium. On completing his elementary education at Ladi Lak in 1973, he gained admission into the famous St Finbarr’s College. It was the beginning of his march to stardom.
“Before I came to St Finbarr’s College in 1973, I had heard so many wonderful stories about players like Marcellus Obinatu, Godwin Odiye, Emilo John, Anthony Eyo, Bernard Senaya, Kojo Senaya and Rufus Uwaje,” he explained. “There were others like the late Haruna Ilerika and Ajagun at Zumratul Islamiya Grammar School and Tunde Martins at Igbobi College.”
At Finbarr’s, Ogedegbe’s long awaited dream came to reality. He was a year ahead of Henry Nwosu and two years ahead of Stephen Keshi, but the trio was in the college football team that tormented other Lagos schools in the Principal’s Cup between 1976 and 1978. Ogedegbe was known as the midfield maestro and was a favourite of both fans and coaches.
Apart from Nwosu and Keshi, his other teammates at Finbarr’s were Muyiwa Oshuntolu, Emeka James, Sam Owoh, Amechi Nwoagu, Wilson Itive, Paul Oshogbe, Araonu Oguguwa, Wakilu Oyenuga and the late Obe Adedeji. He recalled with nostalgia: “The former Lagos State coach, late Jide Johnson, was our coach at that time while Anthony Omeira was in charge of the school in 1976 when I started playing Principal’s Cup competition.
“A majority of the people watching the game dispersed for fear that my parents might hold them responsible. And since my parents did not know that I had sneaked out to play football, I could not go home directly. Someone treated me and my parents did find out. Till this moment, I still have a scar from that glass bottle.”
According to him, listening to radio commentaries during the Principal’s Cup was a great motivation in his tender age. And so, when he was old enough, he formed the habit of sneaking from home to watch games at the Onikan Stadium. On completing his elementary education at Ladi Lak in 1973, he gained admission into the famous St Finbarr’s College. It was the beginning of his march to stardom.
“Before I came to St Finbarr’s College in 1973, I had heard so many wonderful stories about players like Marcellus Obinatu, Godwin Odiye, Emilo John, Anthony Eyo, Bernard Senaya, Kojo Senaya and Rufus Uwaje,” he explained. “There were others like the late Haruna Ilerika and Ajagun at Zumratul Islamiya Grammar School and Tunde Martins at Igbobi College.”
At Finbarr’s, Ogedegbe’s long awaited dream came to reality. He was a year ahead of Henry Nwosu and two years ahead of Stephen Keshi, but the trio was in the college football team that tormented other Lagos schools in the Principal’s Cup between 1976 and 1978. Ogedegbe was known as the midfield maestro and was a favourite of both fans and coaches.
Apart from Nwosu and Keshi, his other teammates at Finbarr’s were Muyiwa Oshuntolu, Emeka James, Sam Owoh, Amechi Nwoagu, Wilson Itive, Paul Oshogbe, Araonu Oguguwa, Wakilu Oyenuga and the late Obe Adedeji. He recalled with nostalgia: “The former Lagos State coach, late Jide Johnson, was our coach at that time while Anthony Omeira was in charge of the school in 1976 when I started playing Principal’s Cup competition.
“I was battling with seniors in the team but when the coach selected 23 players for the competition, my name was included. I was commuting from home and the rest players were placed in the school dormitory.”
In 1976, Ogedegbe tested action in the competition, but the story was not a good one, as CMS Grammar School eliminated Finbarr’s in the first round. The 1977 edition saw he and his squad bulldozing their way to the final under the tutelage of coach Ame Laluko of the Pepsi Academy, beating St Gregory’s College 1-0 in the semi-final, only to lose 0-1 to CMS Grammar School in the final. The late Adewale Toriola was one of the students playing for CMS at that time.
His best moment came in 1978 and it was a turning point in the history of St Finbarr’s College. It was his final year in the college as well. Also, the football team had a new coach in the person of Michael Malagwu, with Principal Aloysius Kpotie and the late Fr. Dennis Slaterry providing them with administrative, financial and moral support.
“I was in form five, Henry Nwosu in form four and Keshi in form three. I was handed the captain’s band in my final year (1977/78 season) and we beat teams 11-0, 7-0 and so forth,” he enthused. “In one of the matches, we defeated Amadiya 4-0. We went on to beat Zumratul Islamiya Grammar School 2-0 in the final to win the Cup.
“The first half ended 0-0 and Zumratul players became very aggressive. But we dominated play in the second half. Henry Nwosu scored both goals in the 53rd and 83rd minutes. I remember that a Zumuratul School player sustained injury and was taken out. My teammates were Henry Nwosu, Wakilu Oyenuga, Emeka James, Wilson Itive, Paul Oshogbe, late Obe Adedeji, Sam Owoh, Stephen Keshi, Joakins Aronu, Jones Nseyo, Muri Sanni, Amaechi Nwogwu and the late Egogo.
“We set three records that year, as St Finbarr’s became the only team in the history of the Principal’s Cup to complete a knockout series without conceding a goal. The school has won the Cup more than any other school and third, the first school to represent Lagos State in the All Nigerian School Sports competition.
“Like I said earlier, we won the Cup under coach Malagwu and the principal, Aloysius Kpotie, was instrumental in making me the captain. The late Fr. Dennis Slaterry was instrumental to my football success because he introduced me to football at St Paul’s Catholic School, Apapa and St Finbarr’s College in Akoka, Lagos. Fr Slattery started St Finbarr’s College with only four students around 1960.”
“The first half ended 0-0 and Zumratul players became very aggressive. But we dominated play in the second half. Henry Nwosu scored both goals in the 53rd and 83rd minutes. I remember that a Zumuratul School player sustained injury and was taken out. My teammates were Henry Nwosu, Wakilu Oyenuga, Emeka James, Wilson Itive, Paul Oshogbe, late Obe Adedeji, Sam Owoh, Stephen Keshi, Joakins Aronu, Jones Nseyo, Muri Sanni, Amaechi Nwogwu and the late Egogo.
“We set three records that year, as St Finbarr’s became the only team in the history of the Principal’s Cup to complete a knockout series without conceding a goal. The school has won the Cup more than any other school and third, the first school to represent Lagos State in the All Nigerian School Sports competition.
“Like I said earlier, we won the Cup under coach Malagwu and the principal, Aloysius Kpotie, was instrumental in making me the captain. The late Fr. Dennis Slaterry was instrumental to my football success because he introduced me to football at St Paul’s Catholic School, Apapa and St Finbarr’s College in Akoka, Lagos. Fr Slattery started St Finbarr’s College with only four students around 1960.”
Before then, Ogedegbe was part of the Lagos State Academicals football team to the 1977 edition of the competition in Enugu. That year, he combined with CMS Grammar School players such as the late Muritala Onigbanjo, late Okon Akpan and others like Taiwo Affini, Kwegan, Iyang John, Godwin Okoloba and Maxwell Monday in the Lagos State team, just as Arsenal Amao was selected from Zumratul Islamiya Grammar School. The team was eliminated at the semi-final stage by Rivers State at the UAC ground in Enugu.
Fresh from St Finbarr’s, Ogedegbe became a golden fish around Akoka, with many coaches fighting for his signature. The National Broadcasting Company (NBC) FC dangled the biggest carrot at the young lad, who was just 15 years. He later featured for the National Bank Football Club, which was playing in the Lagos State Division Football League under coach Daniel Ajibode.
“To me, coach Ajibode was one of the best coaches in Nigeria,” he noted. “He was instrumental to my development at the LAFA League and to the highest level of football. He enhanced my dribbling ability, taught me how to bend the ball, shooting and midfield play position.”
Perhaps what could serve as the most memorable match in Ogedegbe’s club football was the encounter between the National Bank FC and the crowd-pulling Stationery Stores. As he recalled, “I dribbled past an opponent, with his playing boot on the ground by the time I got past him. The environment at the National Bank training facility was the best around. It allowed me to develop every aspect of my game. It was fun to attend practice sessions under coach Ajibode.”
Two years later – at 17, Ogedegbe was invited to the Flying Eagles team, where he played with the likes of Segun Odegbami, Tajudeen Disu, Paul Okoku, Henry Nwosu, Humphrey Edobor, Emeka James, Franklin Howard, Godwin Okoloba, Bestman Akporido, Sylvanus Okpala, Idris Musa, Stephen Keshi, Bright Omokaro, Benjamin Okaro, Muyiwa Oshun, Alfred Keyede, Adegoke Adelabu and the late Haruna Ilerika.
Ogedegbe reminisced on his exploits with the Flying Eagles, saying: “There was a memorable game we played at the main bowl of the National Stadium. There was a full house of about 100,000 people and the match was played in the night. I am not sure the team we played against. I was part of the team that qualified for the Junior World Cup, but I did not play because I left the camp to take my WASC certification.
“I was later invited to the senior team, the Green Eagles, during the build-up to the Cup of Nations in 1980, with Sam Okpodu, Kayode Balogun (son of thunder Balogun), and Sam Owoh. I did not play in the Nations Cup. It was at this time that I admired Adokie Amesimaka and Segun Odegbami because they were still students at the university playing for the country and pursuing professional career.
“So I decided to pursue a professional career by getting a scholarship to attend schools in the United States. But prior to gaining admissions to the university in the U.S., my plan was to travel to Kuwait to pursue professional soccer.”
Ogedegbe headed to America on a full athletics scholarship at Alabama A&M University. As a freshman, his team won the silver medal during the NCAA Division 1 finals, and later as the captain for two years, his team was ranked No.1 in the nation heading into the post-season games.
He was selected to the Senior Bowl (All Stars Team), where he played with other U.S.-based Nigerians like Sam Okpodu and Adubari Otorobio. Ogedegbe has been the director of Flawless Soccer Academy since 1993, where he developed thousands of American players to Division I NCAA Universities, among others.
Apart from being the director of Flawless Soccer Academy, Ogedegbe currently works full time as Senior Engineer for a city in Virginia, close to Washington DC. He said he tries as much as possible to promote the Nigerian style of soccer everywhere he goes in America.
In August 2009, Ogedegbe came to Nigeria with members of his family, during which visit he organised football clinics for players and coaches and ran identification camp for players interested in playing overseas. He remarked: “My children have both played football from a young age. My 15 years old son, Bawo (now 6’ 2’) had the opportunity to participate in the Pepsi Academy tournament at Abeokuta.
“Here in America, he plays for his high school club team, which is ranked No.8 in the nation. He also features for the Virginia State Olympic Development Program. He was selected to participate in overseas travel to Spain and Portugal with the state team in early 2010. I would like him to have the opportunity to play for Lagos State or the Nigeria national teams.
Two years later – at 17, Ogedegbe was invited to the Flying Eagles team, where he played with the likes of Segun Odegbami, Tajudeen Disu, Paul Okoku, Henry Nwosu, Humphrey Edobor, Emeka James, Franklin Howard, Godwin Okoloba, Bestman Akporido, Sylvanus Okpala, Idris Musa, Stephen Keshi, Bright Omokaro, Benjamin Okaro, Muyiwa Oshun, Alfred Keyede, Adegoke Adelabu and the late Haruna Ilerika.
Ogedegbe reminisced on his exploits with the Flying Eagles, saying: “There was a memorable game we played at the main bowl of the National Stadium. There was a full house of about 100,000 people and the match was played in the night. I am not sure the team we played against. I was part of the team that qualified for the Junior World Cup, but I did not play because I left the camp to take my WASC certification.
“I was later invited to the senior team, the Green Eagles, during the build-up to the Cup of Nations in 1980, with Sam Okpodu, Kayode Balogun (son of thunder Balogun), and Sam Owoh. I did not play in the Nations Cup. It was at this time that I admired Adokie Amesimaka and Segun Odegbami because they were still students at the university playing for the country and pursuing professional career.
“So I decided to pursue a professional career by getting a scholarship to attend schools in the United States. But prior to gaining admissions to the university in the U.S., my plan was to travel to Kuwait to pursue professional soccer.”
Ogedegbe headed to America on a full athletics scholarship at Alabama A&M University. As a freshman, his team won the silver medal during the NCAA Division 1 finals, and later as the captain for two years, his team was ranked No.1 in the nation heading into the post-season games.
He was selected to the Senior Bowl (All Stars Team), where he played with other U.S.-based Nigerians like Sam Okpodu and Adubari Otorobio. Ogedegbe has been the director of Flawless Soccer Academy since 1993, where he developed thousands of American players to Division I NCAA Universities, among others.
Apart from being the director of Flawless Soccer Academy, Ogedegbe currently works full time as Senior Engineer for a city in Virginia, close to Washington DC. He said he tries as much as possible to promote the Nigerian style of soccer everywhere he goes in America.
In August 2009, Ogedegbe came to Nigeria with members of his family, during which visit he organised football clinics for players and coaches and ran identification camp for players interested in playing overseas. He remarked: “My children have both played football from a young age. My 15 years old son, Bawo (now 6’ 2’) had the opportunity to participate in the Pepsi Academy tournament at Abeokuta.
“Here in America, he plays for his high school club team, which is ranked No.8 in the nation. He also features for the Virginia State Olympic Development Program. He was selected to participate in overseas travel to Spain and Portugal with the state team in early 2010. I would like him to have the opportunity to play for Lagos State or the Nigeria national teams.
“If I am given an opportunity to contribute my quota to the development of Nigeria football, I will specifically be interested in contributing to football training and mentorship of our youth and coaches alike. It is all about giving back to the system and country that developed me.
“I watched the 2010 World Cup games from abroad and I was embarrassed by Nigeria’s performance, from the way the players were managed and the never-ending cry of fraud and corruption in Nigeria football. I was placed in the awkward position of trying to defend the Nigerian football programme to my fellow coaches and students here in the United States.
“I received emails from American friends asking me what I thought on the way forward for Nigerian football. I believe that this brings an opportunity for renewal of Nigerian football. Our administrative structure should be built from the grassroots to the local, state and national arenas.
“Primary and secondary schools along with university football programmes should be brought into a system that offers a broad range of skill development programmes. We need to revitalise proper inter-school competitions to promote talented players to higher levels of play in secondary schools, universities and club stages.
“Additionally, coaches should be trained and licensed. Administrators will be trained to properly manage funds, train sportsmen and organise competitions. And to ensure success, they should employ experienced and licensed coaches.”
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