Fuji music legend, Abass Akande Obesere has served a strong hint that he is ready to support Nigerian football clubs and promote the nation’s domestic league with his music.
While pointing out that he once financed a club, Obesere told Sports247 in an exclusive interview that he is ready to play his own part in the task of taking the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) to a higher level.
He, however, pointed out that any support he may give Nigerian football would depend on if an approach is made to him by people in charge of running the system.
The indigene of Ibadan, who is fondly called ‘Alasakasa’ by his fans, began by recalling how he initially trained as a boxer and often got involved in athletics during his days at Jubril Martins High School near Costain area of Lagos.
Obesere recounted: “I participated a lot in inter-house sports competitions. We used to run when we were in school, and I was part of it; but I preferred collecting money instead of medals or cups.
I can’t remember all of them, but I know that I used to beat my seniors in running. Most of the time, I also outran them if they wanted to punish me when I go to sing in another class.”
He then spoke about his love for football, but denied various reports that indicated he was a fan of some particular clubs in England and Spain.
Obesere clarified, “I don’t support any single club. I prefer to support all clubs, because I consider that they are all mine. Either Arsenal or Man U, wherever they face, I will face. All I want to see are goals, and everybody will be happy.
I don’t even support Barcelona. They are all mine … including Chelsea and all others. Once you win, I will rejoice with you.”
The fuji music maestro, who will clock 60 years old on January 28, then turned his focus on the Nigerian league and hinted that he is available for partnership with the NPFL.
“I am ready to promote Nigerian clubs and the league,” said Obesere, who once sponsored a grassroots team named Abass Akande FC. “If they call me, I will answer them. If they invite me for a partnership, I will agree with them.
Once I see they are doing well, I will use my music to support them. We’ve done similar things over the years. I’ve invested some money in football, and I still give something when I see good things happening.
I used to have a club in my name, but I did not do it to be proud or to gain fame. I did it to encourage young people that I saw had talent. I am happy when I see people with a gift from God for football. I don’t want such talent to burn on the roadside.”
He concluded with a charge for Nigerians in privileged positions across the country to support developmental efforts in their various communities, instead of leaving everything to the federal or state governments.
“Government has said that everybody should be involved in developing the country. Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State once placed signboards along the roads, which read: ‘Play Your Own Part.’ That means you should not leave everything for government to do. We are the government. So, we should do what is right for our community.
We must not leave things to spoil and say it is only for government to do. You must play your own part, and people will remember you for it,” Obesere posited.
