My dream is to play for Real Madrid – Akintunde

Bright Star Academy attacking midfielder, Olamilekan Akintunde told Saheed Afolabi about his passion for football and how supportive his mother and coach have been to him in his career.

Can you introduce yourself?

My name is Olamilekan Akintunde. I play my trade at Bright Star Football Academy of Ejigbo and I have been at Academy for a decade. I am grateful to coach Victor Inyang who has mentored me in the game and made sure I improve my skills.

What are your aspirations as a footballer?

I aspire to represent Nigerian National Team and I also wish to play for Real Madrid, my favorite club.

How supportive have your parents been to your career?

Yes, they are very supportive especially my mother who has actually been my backbone because she literally provides everything for me which I need to be successful in my career.

Who actually inspired you to become a footballer?

I just noticed that during my childhood days, I was always outstanding among my peers but my mother has also been my greatest source of inspiration. Former Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta also inspires me because our style of game is very similar.

Have you won any trophy at the grassroots?

I won two trophies last year which was the Bright Star U17 and U15 championship which was held at the Ejigbo mini stadium.

Have you been to any football trial to try your luck?

I have been to so many trials at the grassroots and I have always been successful with the trials but the football agents would later sideline us and favour those that gave them money. I have once gone for U17 trial in 2016 but I was not picked because of my height. I just believe it is not yet my time. I believe once it’s my time no one can stop me.

How do you source for funds in going for training, matches and buying of kits?

My coach, Victor Inyang has been the one providing all these for me. I want to use this medium to appreciate his effort in making me a better player and my mother does the little she could also.