Lagos-based side Alimosho Ladies FC have completed the signing of Belema Egbelekro, a 500L Agricultural Economics student at the Federal University of Technology, Minna.
Belema represented her University at the last Nigeria University Games, held at the University of Lagos where she captained her school team before being called up as part of the team to represent Nigeria at the Neymar Jr 5aside final in Dubai, scoring her first international goal against the Netherlands.
Sports247ng had a one on one session with the defensive midfielder, Belema, to discuss her progress and future aspirations;
Reporter: How did you get into football?
Belema: Since I was little, I would always play with my cousins and neighbors for fun, even in secondary school when I was the sport prefect I always engage in sports as a whole not just football, but I took it seriously as a career after NUGA games, that was my first ever competitive game.
Reporter: How supportive are your parents on you playing football?
Belema: My parents have always been supportive of me doing sports, as they know its a natural talent in me and it makes me happy. So they do everything to support me both morally and spiritually
Reporter: How challenging has it been combining sports and academics?
Belema: Well, combining sports and academics has not been that easy I must say, because going to lectures, and still having trainings, one needs to study and still make out time to rest. At the end, it boils down to doing the right thing at the right time. Balancing.
Reporter: How do you intend to sort it out, schooling in Minna and signing for a Lagos-based club?
Belema: Schooling in minna and playing for a lagos based club is actually not a problem because they’re a club that is in line with my goal and aspirations, because even if I’m back to school I know I still and will always have a place in the club whenever I’m back to lagos.
Reporter: Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
Belema: 5 years from now, looking at my experience from NUGA games, going as far as representing Nigeria at the Neymar Jr’s Global Finals in Qatar. Playing against Likes of Netherlands and Brazil, wining against the Netherlands, even having to score against them and having a tie with one of the Brazilian Team.
I think 5 years from now with a lot of hardwork and commitment,I see myself in one the well known clubs outside of Nigeria.
Reporter: Who’s your football role model?
Belema: I’d say I am my own role model.
