He’s young. Born and breed in Nigeria before relocating to United Kingdom to further his education. This young and talented chap later falls in love with the game of the round leather called football. Raised by his single mum, Michael Opeyemi Adeyemi believes so much in God despite the fact he’s a superstar in his chosen careers. Yours truly Idris Bello CEO, Shybell Media was in the city of London for his Xmas break when he came across this bunch of talents. Gym instructor, professional football player, a pastor in-waiting and a professional actor, Michael, came, saw and also conquered. Sit back and enjoy his lovely interview…
Please can we meet you?
My name is Michael Opeyemi Adeyemi, I live in London. I studied sport science and NVQ/CYQ level 2. Gym instructor at Oakland College. Am also an actor.
Where were you originated from, where you born in London?
No! I am Naija boy. Born and breed in Nigerian but I did move to England when I was 9 years old.
Can you ascertain reason for your relocation as at that time?
I move to England because my mum was moving to England and it was also to further my education.
You said you are into acting, how come?
I am into acting because my mum is an actress and every time she’s going on location she always takes me along and I just fell in love with acting. And I have also done a couple of films myself.
Movies like?
AKEWEJE, OMO ODUN KAN, EWEE ORUN, IISE WON
Who is your mum in the movie industry?
ADERONKE AJENISE ODUBORISA aka ASHABI OLORISHA
Have you ever act since when you relocate to England?
Yes, I have IISE WON (THEIR DOINGS)
What was your experience, comparing 9ja and UK movie industry?
Nigerian movie industry, uhunnn! The director demand a lot from you, they always want everything 100% and want everything to be prefect compare to UK where you are left with your own judgment and delivery thou, they want perfection too but free-hand is giving.
You studied sport science, practicing it in any form?
Sport science is a course I enjoy because it about the body and how it work during exercise and also teaches you what kind food you have to eat to give you energy. It’s related to our daily route.
Michael is how old now?
Just 21 going 22
Apart from been a gym instructor, what else do you do?
Gym instructor is just something on the side what I do for a living is play football. Play for a Ryman league team which a semi-pro team, 6 leagues away from the Premiere league in England
When and how did you start your football career?
I started my football career at the age of five through my late uncle, Rafiu Adekunle Ajenishe, my mum’s immediate junior. Uncle Kunle use to play for Abiola Babes, Great Nigeria Insurance and NEPA. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen
However, I was living in Walsall when my school football team had a trial so I went for the trial and my coach was very impressed. He was so impress he wants to see my mum to tell to let me take this football very serious, so my mum gave her consent. My school coach said I have a rare talent.
What’s your position in your team?
My coach love the fact I have the ability to play any position but for my team I play Right Back or Centre Back.
What as being the challenges so far considering the fact that you are black?
The challenge so far is racism. There are still racisms in UK football. I remember a time I was playing for a team but the manager will never pick me even thou he knows I’m the best player for the job he’ll always pick the white players instead.
Any major tournament so far?
Yeah! There is a big tournament this year whoever wins get to represent England which the English FA will pay for all the travel expenses in Spain and other part of the world.
Are you planning to fly the flag of England considering the fact you are a Nigerian?
For this tournament I will but I want to play for my father land thou I’m a dual citizen.
So you are saying if you are called by the Nigeria national team to fly her flag you will?
Yes. I will pick Nigeria over England
Do you think you can cope with the Nigeria football association politics?
Yes I can, they run the football structure as their job demands, my own duty is to represent my country on the pitch and play well. Our elders or should I say our past players mostly get it wrong, it’s not always about money though, money is part of it. Meanwhile, I know with time things will get better.
Before your recent club, which clubs have you played for? Learn you once play for Arsenal junior club what happened?
I never played for Arsenal junior club, I was playing for Arsenal Kicks which basically is like an Arsenal community programs run by Arsenal but we were presented with a medal by one of the Arsenal player at the Arsenal home ground that was when Adebayor was playing for them. I’ve played for team like Brighton, Southend and Barnet but also during those times my coach will send me on trial and have been on trial at team like Birmingham, and I also had a trial for MK Dons.
Which football clubs are you supporting and why?
I support Manchester United and Walsall FC. Both team I love very much, I support Walsall because I use to live in the area and Manchester United, my uncle support them so he always take me to the home games and I just fell in love with the Club.
I like your courage, are you at any point thinking of coming back home to settle down fully, not or in future?
If I can find a club in Nigeria then I will love to stay in the country like I always say there no place like home.
As a football player, what does it take to become a professional and a good player?
Hard work, self discipline and lots of motivation. Because many people will doubt your ability but you have to be motivated. Then prayers! Because without God, all things will seems impossible.
Seem you are believer, what church do you attend and are you born again?
I am a believer and I am a born again. I attend Goodnews Church and am a worker in my church.
Any spiritual parents?
Well my dad is a pastor and my spiritual parent are Pastor & Pastor Mrs. Amadi but I also got a friend and he is also a young pastor so he also my spiritual dad as well.
You hardly mention your dad since; can you tell us about your dad?
My dad was never in my life. My mum was a single mum so I learn everything I know today from her. She shows me the way of God but I thank God, me and my dad are in talking terms now.
I can be angry all day all year but he still my dad so I still got to love him and show him the respect.
What’s your dad’s full name and is he living in England too?
Pastor Adeyemi. No, he lives in Nigeria.
Been a sport person and someone who knows Christ.
How do you cope with opposite Sex and female fans in general?
I keep myself clean. I believe in marriage then sex.
I got a lot of females friend but they respect me more couple with the fact I am into Christ because in London it very hard to find an handsome guy like me that into Christ (Lol)
If you are not a football player, what else will you have been?
That a very hard question because I’ve always see myself as a football player but if I wasn’t a footballer, I will probably say I will become a full time actor because of my mum. I would love to carry her legacy.
Which of the footballer do you look up to?
I got many but my two best players are Jay Jay Okocha and Joseph Yobo
No foreign player(s)?
Nope. I love my Nigerian players
One word for upcoming and talented football players who are looking up to you both at home and abroad?
Put God first in everything you do and he will repay you back in many ways. He’s loving and a caring God.