Sports247 recently had the opportunity to interview Frank Oluwafemi, a 32-year-old grassroots footballer hailing from Osun State.
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From a young age, Frank displayed his athletic prowess by representing his school in various competitions, including 100 x 4m relay races, sprints, and inter-school football tournaments. Initially starting as a goalkeeper, he eventually transitioned to playing midfield.
Frank spent two years playing for Fakson FC at Casso, Alagbado, but unfortunately, he faced challenges in advancing his career due to his proneness to injuries.
After enrolling at TASUED, Ijebu Ode, Frank’s involvement in football decreased; however, he still represented the school in the Ogun State University games, where he contributed to their success in winning a bronze medal in the 100 x 4m relay event.
Recalling the beginnings of his football journey, Frank reminisces, “I began playing football at the age of 9, indoors with my cousin. I have always been passionate about the sport and aspired to play professionally.
However, due to my susceptibility to injuries and the prolonged recovery period, I had to relinquish my ambitions of advancing further.”
Nonetheless, Frank still maintains an interest in athletics and contemplates pursuing professional sprinting in the future.
When discussing grassroots football, Frank acknowledges the progress being made at that level. He believes that the improvement of grassroots football can be significantly enhanced with dedicated funding from the government. Frank notes, “Many grassroots clubs, teams, and athletes suffer from financial constraints and lack exposure. Allocating a separate budget for grassroots football would greatly contribute to its development.”
In terms of advice for fellow grassroots football players, Frank encourages them to view the sky as their stepping stone and to hold an unwavering belief in their dreams. He proudly mentions that his younger brother is also an accomplished footballer, playing for Future Pro FC in Ikeja.
Reflecting on his past experiences, Frank recounts one of his most disappointing moments in sports, which took place during his secondary school years. In a match against Faith Academy in Canaan Land, his team was in the lead by two goals. However, with only 15 minutes remaining, their opponents managed to equalize and ultimately secure a victory by scoring two additional goals. Frank attributes the defeat to his team’s momentary lapse in focus and relaxation.
Although Frank did not achieve professional status in football, he remains an active participant in the sport. Alongside his business ventures, he continues to train on weekends with various football teams at the Agege Stadium and also collaborates with the Excel Football team at Adura, Alagbado. Additionally, Frank occasionally indulges in neighbourhood 4-aside street football matches, fuelling his passion for the game and maintaining his connection to the sport he loves.
