 Here is another episode of our interviews with SSFC players. Our 3rd MVP is our right full back for his performance against HMFC 3 weeks ago. He would love to see nothing but for Liverpool to win the Premiership and Champions league. We know that is far-fetched but who are we to break his heart. Without further ado, let's get you into the interview. Enjoy.
For the record, what is your name? Okechukwu Awele Ofili, however most people call me Ofili and in cyber space I am known as “reccos”
And what do you do? I am design engineer for FMC Technologies. In a nutshell, I get paid to come up with new designs/modifications for our Valves and Actuators.
Sounds cool. If you could choose your profession, what would your ideal profession be? I would easily have said soccer, but deep down I have always wanted to be a Motivational/Public speaker. I have won a couple of speaking awards this year alone and am looking to really hone my speaking skills for both financial and humanitarian purposes. Especially in regards to Nigeria, I get so frustrated with our system that I want to shout out…
Interesting ideal profession. How does it feel being SSFC's 3rd MVP? OK I guess, it sucks to be individually recognized as an MVP when as TEAM we lost. But what can I say if there was a financial incentive to be MVP I might be happier.
A coule of dollars should do the trick in the future. How do you see SSFC as a team? We are like Nigeria, we have a lot of potential, we know we have a lot of potential, the world knows we have a lot of potentials, our opponents know it, the referee’s know it, the ball knows it and even the grass at Bear Creek knows it, but for some reason we fail to reach 45% of our potential. However, with the chemistry we have built amongst ourselves of recent we are gradually homing in on our full potential.
45%? But SSFC won their last 2 games and lost 2 before the winning streak. What do you think is responsible for the wins? I did not see the victory before last, but I really do think that chemistry played a big part in it. Also having an older figure (in our coach), has some how pushed us to be more quiet/organized (not where we should be yet) on and off the field.
Considering SSFC's recent performance, where do you think we will finish on the table at the end of the season? It may be a joke, but I seriously see us finishing on top of the table. Physically, I have not seen any team in our division that can hang with us in terms of speed and skill. Logically, we have a game in hand on the top two teams if (huge emphasis on IF) we win that game we are 4 or 3 points away from the top, if we beat these teams head to head we are right there. Mentally, we have something to play for as the only Black-run and managed team we have to make a statement and create a name for ourselves.
I guess whatever motivates the team is good. What do you think your greatest asset is as a football player?
Lol….definitely not skills. I would say speed and stamina. I play soccer up to three times a week, indoor and outdoor so I rarely get tired in a game especially outdoor. Another thing is pride, if I get beat by someone am going to hunt that person down till I collect the ball or till he passes it, but without getting a yellow card.
Greatest soccer moment?
I will have to say Nigeria vs. Brazil in Atlanta 96. That I think is the greatest moment so far in Nigerian soccer. Brazil thought they had won the game and started pulling out their players and that man, KANU just went berserk inside and ripped two pretty holes in Dida’s net. I remember that game so well, it was late late at night and people were jumping around in the streets like we had won the Gold, people forget that was just the semifinal!
Ah yes, that game. We know your favorite team is Liverpool and that Steven Gerard is your favorite player. What do you like about the team and player?
Funny story. I really loved Liverpool for some peculiar reason; I never used to watch soccer in Secondary school, just read magazines. But there was something about Liverpool motto “you’ll never walk alone”, their logo and their “Green and White retro jersey” that made me love them. Back then Ian Rush used to play for them and McManaman, wow McManaman now that was a player absolutely phenomenal player.
One moment that sealed my connection for Liverpool and hatred for Man Utd, was an FA cup replay match around 1995 or so, Liverpool were up by 1 and Manchester came back and scored like 2 goals in the dying seconds. I was young and felt the tears coming out but I held it, I held deep inside and transformed it into an eternal hatred for Manchester. I have become less upset about the incident and now share that hate abundantly with LA Lakers. As for Gerard, he is very effective. Not flashy, quiet but still has that fiery passion for the game. Excellent shots, great header all his fundamentals are perfect, represents the KOPS well and is a great leader.
That explains all the hatred for Man Utd. Who do you think will win Champions' league?
C’mon, after the long answer above you really want me to answer that? I’ll tell you who won’t win though, Manchester United.
Point taken. If you create your own team with you and any 10 players (retired and still playing) in the world, whom would you choose and where would they play?
4-4-2
Keeper: Peter Schimeichel
Right Defense: Okechukwu Ofili
Stopper: Cafu
Sweeper: Paulo Maldini
Left Defense: Ashley Cole
Right Wing: Chukwu Nonso Ofili
Left Wing: Steve McManaman
Midfield: Diego Maradona
Midfield: Stephen Gerard
Striker: Roberto Baggio
Striker: Jari Litmanen
Nice. Biggest celebrity you've met?
None really.
None? Most embarrassing moment?
Scheduling a meeting at work for 8:00 am and showing up there at 9:00 am. I forgot to adjust my watch the past Sunday for “Daylight Saving Time.”
Last movie you watched?
Idlewilde and To Catch a Fire (both kinda sorta made to watch)
Finally, what would you like to be doing in ten years?
As a speaker, motivating people to reach their full potential.
Next Interview: Farouk |
