One of the standout names at the football event of the just concluded Nigeria University Games (NUGA) in Lagos is Adams Josiah, a 200L Education Management student of the University Of Ilorin.
His rapid growth from been the third choice to the number of the school is a credit to his dedication and determination to be the best in wherever he finds himself.
In an exclusive interview with SOC Voice, the young goalkeeper spoke about how death shattered his dreams of bringing his beloved mother out of the trenches, his role models plus what he would want to be in the nearest future.
Expert from the interview.
Can we know you?
My name is s Yachat Ochoya Josiah. A 200 level student of the University of Ilorin. I am proud to be a citizen of the faculty of Education as an Educational Manager.
. I am also the Goalkeeper of the Unilorin School team (Unilorin Warriors) and was part of the team that won Gold at the just concluded Nigerian University Games (NUGA 2022).
Aside been a student, what other things do you engage in?
I am a full-time football player, I play in the Third Tier of the Nigerian Professional Football League.
What do you prefer to be called?
Jojo, its what everybody calls me, even my mummy.
What is your passion?
Football, It is second to none
Reading a good novel is not far behind tho.
Is football a talent or skill you possess?
It’s a skill I possess. I wasn’t born with it. I am working tirelessly to get it.
If not football, what else?
I always wanted to be a lawyer. Its a profession I admired right from childhood because of the funny wig, fancy Vocabulary and the fact that you literally hold the fate of people in your hands.
I still admire it till date.
So when I am not in class taking lecturers, I am always on the field playing football.
How have been your experience as one of “Unilorin Warriors”?
Good. The team has helped me grow both as a Football player and as a man. Because the team doesn’t only give you a ball to kick around, it also shapes its players to be men of character and valor.
In other words, if I am to count and name my blessings, Unilorin Warriors will pop up.
Also, it made me famous around the campus. We all can do with a little fame.
How do you cope with Academics and Foolball, I believe Football seeks attention likewise Academics?
This is the greatest challenge I am facing, there was a time we travelled to play FUT Minna in a competitive match and when I got back, they did a test in my absence.
I had to make up for it in my exams. Somehow I didn’t carry the course.
This is just one of the numerous problems that I have faced but it all comes down to how calculative and lucky someone is. I hope that with time, things will get easier.
What motivates you when you feel down?
Bringing my mother out of the Trenches has always been my drive. But I lost her last week Thursday. It was really difficult for me.
But now I have something else to draw strength from and that is the fact that she was solidly behind me and she rooted for me every step of the way, I know she still is and I always feel strengthened knowing this.
How do you overcome your challenges?
I share them with my elder brothers. They are also professional footballers and graduates. They have been in my shoes before.
Trust me, if you have elder siblings who have gone through exactly what you are going through and they are doing really well years later, you’ll be the one looking for challenges up and down.
Who is your role model?
I look up to two people for certain reasons; Their story inspire me in my area of specialty and I thank God I have the means of reaching out to the and they have been of immense help to me.
-Dele Aiyenigba (Kwara United’s Goalkeeper) and Surajudeen Olayiwola Ayeleso (Plateau United’s Goalkeeper).
Where do you see yourself in 5years?
A University of Ilorin graduate who is married to his dream girl playing the sport he loves the most.
What is your favorite quote?
Never ride a willing horse to death..
What advice do you have for amateur/potential Footballer?
We still have a lot of ground to cover, the journey has only begun. We shouldn’t lose focus and get distracted by the little achievements.
Josiah Adams kept 4 clean sheets in 5 games as the University of Ilorin won the football category of the NUGA games saving the decisive penalty against the Obafemi Awolowo University.
University of Ilorin will be on hand to welcome University Of Agriculture of Makurdi in the return leg of their round of 16 fixture in Ilorin on August with Josiah expected to return to the starting lineup after missing out of the first leg due to the death of his mother, Mrs Esther Adams.
