SR Star Watch: Olamilekan Jelili Akinbode – My journey from Ikorodu to Benin Republic and Nigerian clubs

In the weekly Sportsration ‘star watch’, we caught up with defensive stalwart Olamilekan Jelili Akinbode.

The Bayelsa United FC defender told us about his journey from Vetland Grammar School to a Beninese club and clubs across Nigeria.

Here is the snippet from the interview with our star of the week.

Sportsration.com: Can we meet you?

Akinbode: My name is Olamilekan Jelili Akinbode. I am an indigene of Ogun State. I was born in Lagos on the 12th of May, 1994 and I am a footballer.

Sportsration.com: How did you start your football journey?

Akinbode: I started playing from my secondary school, Vetland Grammar School Lagos. I played for a club in the Benin Republic, played for Lagos State Polytechnic and clubs across Nigeria.

Sportsration.com: You played for a club in the Benin Republic?

Akinbode: Yeah, I did. For a season before the Benin Republic, football league was scrapped. And at the time my parents wanted me to further my education so I left the Benin Republic for Nigeria. I gained admission at  Lagos State Polytechnic Ikorodu where I bagged OND in Banking and Finance.

Sportsration.com: You must be well read?

Akinbode: A bit. From Vetland Secondary School to Lagos State Polytechnic Ikorodu where I bagged my OND in Banking and Finance. You know education is light.

Sportsration.com: Your football career?

Akinbode: It is safe to say I started at Vetland Secondary School, Lagos, Université Nationale de Benin in Benin, Bolowotan FC, Akwa Starlet, El-Kanemi Warriors and now Bayelsa United.

Sportsration.com: So Bayelsa United? why not a NPFL club considering you played for El Kanemi Warriors?

Akinbode: I had an offer to sign for Insurance this season but one thing led to another and the deal fell through.

Sportsration.com: What are your plans for the future?

Akinbode: I played three seasons in the NPFL with El Kanemi Warriors, this is my second season with Bayelsa United in the NNL. Right now my dream is to play abroad, although I am open to scintillating offers from a top Nigerian club.

Sportsration.com: Any nickname?

Akinbode: When I was in school, my teammates gave me the names “Giran and Gattuso” because of my hard work and endurance. My head dey the game and e still dey there.

By: Tope Adefala