I was dumped during trials for national team –Lord of Ajasa

Legendary rapper, Olusegun Osaniyi, popularly known as Lord of Ajasa opens up on how he got dumped during trials for the national team, his favourite position as a player, his love for Barcelona and many more in this interview with Ebenezer Bajela

As the pioneer of indigenous rap in the country, your knowledge of music can’t be questioned. Can we say the same when it comes to Sports?

My knowledge of sports is not that broad but to some extent I can say few things especially when it comes to football. I am not doing badly but there is a limit to what I know and what I can say.

When you are not in the studio, what do you do to relax?

Personally, apart from being a musician I am also a footballer. I used to be a footballer when I was in school. I represented my school, Aquinas College in Akure, against other schools and it was really fun. But after I left school, I didn’t take it seriously as I ventured into entertainment.

What position did you play?

I played as a right back. I defended so well back then, and despite my height strikers found it difficult to go pass me.

As a defender, who was your role model?

I looked up to former Super Eagles defender, Nduka Ugbade. He had great qualities and I watched his game to develop myself. He was the U-17 captain when I started to really watch him and I loved his doggedness. I must say that he inspired me.

Why didn’t you follow in his path to play for Nigeria?

I tried to play for Nigeria but I guess I wasn’t lucky. Screening back then was too much and I don’t get picked. The bottom line is the country is blessed with so many talents because if you see the number of guys that turned out for screening exercises you will be amazed. During our time, Nigeria had lot of players and that was why the country did well at the youth level unlike what we are seeing now.

Did you enjoy the time you spent playing football?

Of course I did enjoy it. Football is my life and it is still part of me. I may not be playing active football but I still play it once in a while to relax and catch fun with my friends. Football used to be my first talent before I discovered that I was good in music. Many of my friends at school were still surprised that I ended up not playing football because they were so certain that I will grow up to be a professional player like Austin Okocha and the likes. So, it is wise to say that the game of football is my second talent and nothing can change that.

Are you satisfied with the country’s national team?

The country’s poor governance is reflecting in every sector and our football is not left out. But we can only hope that things get better because recently I have not been so keen on watching them. Back then there was so much passion for the game but now, it is all about money. Most of our players are not really there for the love of the country but for their own personal gains.

Do you think Gernot Rohr should continue as the coach?

(Laughs). I don’t even know anything about that man because I haven’t been watching them played. I’m no longer keen about them but we can only pray for him to excel. I’ve lost interest watching the Eagles play because they broke my heart many times and I always felt bad when they don’t do well. But when they start the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier and the Nations Cup proper, I will watch them as a Nigerian.

Which football club do you support?

I am a strong and loyal Barcelona fan.

How long have you been a Barca supporter?

It’s been a while I became a fan of Barcelona. It was in 2006 after the club defeated Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League final. Ronaldinho was still at the club then and I liked him so much because of the way he played and he was always smiling. He made football looked so easy and that was why I liked him and I fell in love with Barcelona.

Do you see Messi winning another best player award?

I think for now we should just let Messi be after all that he has achieved. Let him give other players chance, it can’t just be him all the time. He has tried and I think he should go and rest on his laurels. People should just leave him alone and it doesn’t matter whether he wins another one or not, he will forever remain my best player of all time.

With age not really on Messi’s side, do you see Barcelona struggling once he retires?

Obviously they are going to struggle because they so much depend on him and I think that dependency is affecting them whenever he is not playing or not at his best. That’s why you see teams trying to mark him out because they know that with Messi out, Barcelona are not what they are known for. But that doesn’t mean that you can take them for granted. When Messi does eventually retire, the club will look for a replacement.

Aside football what other sports do you participate in?

I follow boxing and wrestling passionately. I also play table tennis very well.

Do you think you are good enough to challenge any professional player?

I don’t think I am at the level where I can challenge any of those guys who play it as a profession. Though, I’ve been playing since I was a kid but I won’t dare challenge anyone.

What should your fans be expecting from you?

I am working on some singles and they will be out soon. I have done my part in the music industry and I just want to take it slow now.