Exclusive Interview: Probably The Most Talented Foreigner to Play Nepalese League, Junior Obagbemiro
Junior Obagbemiro in Pokhara
When it comes to foreign players in Nepalese League, Junior Obagbmerio is an unforgettable name. With his scoring ability he got a lot of media attention in his time. Prolific Nigerian was top scorer even while playing with the one of the weakest teams Brigade Boys Club. Probably, Junior was one of the most talented foreign footballers to be in Nepalese soil who later went on to play in Malaysia, India, Bangladesh, Finland and where not. He was also highest scorer in Bangladesh, nominated best foreign player in India twice. He is currently playing from Silema Wanderers Football Club,Malta.
Here is an e-mail interview by Jyoti Khatiwada
When did you start playing football?
I started playing football when i was a little child and since then the dream of becoming a football star started when I joined Pepsi academy in 1996 for grass root level.
I started playing football when i was a little child and since then the dream of becoming a football star started when I joined Pepsi academy in 1996 for grass root level.
What was your first professional club?
It was Al Masafi in Dubai,a 2nd division club. Well, I was playing in Dubai and then sent on loan to Esteghlal Iran for about 6months and I later fell out of favour with the coach and agent there which prompted a move to Nepal as I had some friends over there and they told me the country is nice and the people are crazy about football so I decided to give it a try. That was how I moved to Nepal with Brigade B Club (BBC).
It was Al Masafi in Dubai,a 2nd division club. Well, I was playing in Dubai and then sent on loan to Esteghlal Iran for about 6months and I later fell out of favour with the coach and agent there which prompted a move to Nepal as I had some friends over there and they told me the country is nice and the people are crazy about football so I decided to give it a try. That was how I moved to Nepal with Brigade B Club (BBC).
How many clubs you played there?
Till now I have played in about 10 countries after I started playing professional in 2004.
Till now I have played in about 10 countries after I started playing professional in 2004.
Junior Obagbemiro in Finland
What was the most of the interesting/exciting event during your stay in Nepal?
The most exciting period in Nepal for me was when I helped BBC escape relegation and I was the top scorer that year. I had so much media attention and popularity which I really enjoyed.
The most exciting period in Nepal for me was when I helped BBC escape relegation and I was the top scorer that year. I had so much media attention and popularity which I really enjoyed.
And the best and worst moment?
The best moment was winning the ‘Aaha Gold Cup ‘with the African 11 team and the worst moment was when Manang Marshyangdi beat 3star in a match that I missed a golden scoring opportunity.
The best moment was winning the ‘Aaha Gold Cup ‘with the African 11 team and the worst moment was when Manang Marshyangdi beat 3star in a match that I missed a golden scoring opportunity.
Any suggestions to uplift the Nepali football?
I think all the teams are good in Nepal. They just need better infrastructure and financial boost.
There is a lot of talent is Nepal and I think with better infrastructure and financial aide to football, Nepal can be a better footballing nation.
I think all the teams are good in Nepal. They just need better infrastructure and financial boost.
There is a lot of talent is Nepal and I think with better infrastructure and financial aide to football, Nepal can be a better footballing nation.
Was it Nepal to connect you with rest of the countries or how did u get publicity?
I do get offers to come back to Nepal to play but I have moved on now and there’s no going back for me. Europe is the target now. (currently playing in Finland)
I do get offers to come back to Nepal to play but I have moved on now and there’s no going back for me. Europe is the target now. (currently playing in Finland)
If you have to remember one of your best players from Nepal who could that be?
Nirajan Khadka is my favourite Nepali player, he is a pure talent.
Nirajan Khadka is my favourite Nepali player, he is a pure talent.
Any messages to Nepalese fans?
To all my Nepali fans I want to say “ma timi lai dherai dherai maaya garchu” haahahaha
To all my Nepali fans I want to say “ma timi lai dherai dherai maaya garchu” haahahaha
Do u feel yourself lucky to get such a height in football in this short period?
Yes I am very lucky to be who I am today because football is a tough sport and it takes God’s help for any player to be great. And yes I gained a lot of publicity from Nepal because from there I was able to go to other different countries to play like Malaysia, Bangladesh and India.
Yes I am very lucky to be who I am today because football is a tough sport and it takes God’s help for any player to be great. And yes I gained a lot of publicity from Nepal because from there I was able to go to other different countries to play like Malaysia, Bangladesh and India.
Do you like to compare yourself as any football stars?
Yes I like to compare myself to the likes of Ronaldinho because he is my favourite in the recent times.
Yes I like to compare myself to the likes of Ronaldinho because he is my favourite in the recent times.
So as u said can u compare skills, structure and tackling to that of Nepal, India,Sweden and Finland or other countries you played?
You cannot compare different countries style with each other as every country has its own style and footballing tradition.
You cannot compare different countries style with each other as every country has its own style and footballing tradition.
Your biggest achievement so far?
My biggest achievements so far was winning top scorer in Bangladesh league. Also I was nominated as the best foreign player in India twice. Then I was also top scorer for 2 seasons with Haka club in Finland which also promoted the team to top division.
My biggest achievements so far was winning top scorer in Bangladesh league. Also I was nominated as the best foreign player in India twice. Then I was also top scorer for 2 seasons with Haka club in Finland which also promoted the team to top division.
Your ideal club?
Barcelona will be an ideal club for me as I am a big fan of the club but playing in Europe will be great with any professional club.
Barcelona will be an ideal club for me as I am a big fan of the club but playing in Europe will be great with any professional club.
Junior Obagbemiro in action with his Finnish club. Currently he is with Air India as its off season in Finland.
Any future plans except football?
I have not really thought about anything after football but there are many plans. Let’s see how things go.
I have not really thought about anything after football but there are many plans. Let’s see how things go.
At last?
A big thank you to all my Nepali fans. I really miss you all and I want to say God bless you all. From your favourite player…Junior
A big thank you to all my Nepali fans. I really miss you all and I want to say God bless you all. From your favourite player…Junior
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| Obag bmerio JNR signing for Sliema Wanderers F.C. |
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