SL10 Chats To Juvenile FC's Lasisi Adeyemi.

Lasisi Adeyemi is one of many Nigerians currently plying their trades in the fast developing Indian League.

He has since been in the Middle East for four years and he's one of those making the league thick in India.

Adeyemi was part of the Star Juvenile FC team that won the Chennai Football Association second-division league in 2014 and will be campaigning in the coveted India Super League.

In this interview with SL10 expert Wale Mustapha, the 20-year-old Oyo State born player, Adeyemi who has teamed up with Dynamo Club FC in Guwahati Premier Divisional League believes the Indian Super League will soon compete with their European and MLS counterparts.

He spoke about his interest about Nigerian league and his dream to don the blue jersey of Chelsea.

SL10: What's your background as a player ?

Adeyemi: I am Lasisi Wahab Adeyemi. I'm 20-year-old from Oyo State. I played for Alade Sport Academy and we played in the Lagos State FA Cup. I moved to India four years ago and I've played for JCB Bhillai Brothers FC in 2010/2011, Shahadra Sporting in 2011/2012. I played for Star Juvenile FC in Chennai State and we were the 1st Division 2013/2014 League Champions and we gained automatic promotion to the Chennai Premier Division. I'm presently playing for Dynamo Club in Guwahati Premier Division League. I had a trial at Julius Berger under Coach Ambrose Duru and Emmanuel Amunike
where I was selected but left the country for greener pastures.

SL10: Why did you choose Indian league of all leagues?

Adeyemi: It was because the guy who took me there promised heaven and earth about the league and the deal. So when I got here, I couldn’t go back but accepted my faith.

SL10: Does that mean managers can change or determine players' career?

Adeyemi: Not actually. But in my case, I was sponsored here by a manager. Since I didn’t spend a dime I decided to play here and see what their football is all about. How can you compare the league in India to others? It’s a bit different from European football. But it’s fast developing. I believe in no distant time, the league will blow. Lots of Europeans and Americans especially Brazilians are also here.

SL10: How is the experience?

Adeyemi: Yes, it’s a good one. It's a really good experience for me.

SL10: How do they accept football there as Cricket is synonymous to that part of the world?

Adeyemi: The trend has changed greatly due to the influence of English Premier League, every kid wants to play football now, some Cricket legends and Bollywood icons have delved into soccer through India soccer league that has started and featuring stars like Freddie Ljunberg, Michael Chopra, Robert Pires, David James, Marco = Materrazi, Coach Zico of Brazil is here and many other great stars and names.

SL10: How do they accept you as outsiders in India?

Adeyemi: It's a pretty cool reception. As a Nigerian they respected and welcomed me greatly because we are a force to be reckoned with in soccer. We have lots of Nigerians here that are doing well, the most prominent ones are Ranti Martins, Odafa Okolie, Dudu Omagbemi, Bello Rasak, Ogunbiyi Taiwo, Penn Orji and others I cannot remember now.

SL10: What's your next move, staying for how many years again in India or you're shipping out?

Adeyemi: India is not my last destination. I’m still young in this trade. I’m interested in Nigerian league now as it has been repackaged. We hear good news about it always. I will love to taste the Nigeria then move to Europe.

SL10: Are there any offer(s) from Europe or elsewhere?

Adeyemi: I’m working on a deal through my brother who is based in Europe. But I put my hope in God. First thing is coming home to taste the Nigerian league, then move to Europe

SL10: Which club do you fancy most in Nigeria and outside?

Adeyemi: Though I can adapt well with any professional side in Nigeria, but I wish to play in a well organized club with good vision of doing well. In Europe, my dream is seeing myself as a defensive midfielder in the colours of Chelsea, though any professional club in Europe will come good for me.


Culled from SL10.Ng