Olayinka Olawole
Former Super Eagles winger Duke Udi has revealed some of the vices that hindered him from attaining a very great height during his playing days.
Though the former Shooting Stars Football Club great had a fulfilling career, but he should have achieved more if not for indiscipline at a point in his career.
Throughout his career, the former Slavan Bratislava player had the tools and talents to become a real great of the game, its a travesty that the pieces never quite fell into place for him as it should.
Its strange to look at one man who dazzled the Nigerian Football scene in the mid 90’s and 2000’s and balance it with what he achieved as a player, winning the Nigeria Premier League in 1995 with Shooting Stars and also playing in the UEFA Champions League in 1996 with Grasshopper FC of Switzerland.
Responding to questions from journalists on one of Nigeria foremost Whatsapp group, Family United By Football (FUBF), Udi revealed why he thinks talent alone isnt enough in football and also advised the younger players never to relent only on their talents.
” Sometimes I look back and think I should have done better in my career. Though I had a fulfilling career both in Nigeria and abroad, won some trophies and also played for the Flying Eagles, the National U-23 and also the Super Eagles, but indiscipline didn’t make me do more.
” When a football player is so good, thinks he is the best and lack discipline, such player is in trouble and might not really attain the greatness and possibly might not reach his full potential.
” I was so good that I thought my talent was enough for me. I thought I could go so far in my career without discipline, but it doesn’t work that way.
” I was a very good footballer and one who could do magic with the ball, but without discipline, its very difficult to make it to the top and that’s one thing I keep telling the younger footballers that they have to be focused and very disciplined.
” Talents alone isn’t enough, you have to build on yourself as a person and that’s why the likes of Messi and Ronaldo are still relevant, even after so many years.
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