Recent off his CHAN Eagles expertise and three matches into the 2025 NPFL season, Remo Stars midfielder Olamilekan Adedayo is entering into new territory. At simply 24, he has been handed the captain’s armband for the defending champions.
For Adedayo, the mission is evident: defend the crown, push for extra trophies, and maintain his dream of representing Nigeria persistently alive.
On this interview with PREMIUM TIMES, Adedayo displays on his CHAN classes, his ambitions with Remo Stars, and the way he intends to deal with the load of management.
Excerpts…
PT: Congratulations on being a part of the CHAN Eagles setup as soon as once more. How would you describe that have, each on and off the pitch?
Adedayo: It was a special feeling completely. Representing the nation is one in all my greatest desires. I’m glad it occurred. The sensation was nice. It made my years of dedication and exhausting work not be in useless.
PT: What did carrying the Tremendous Eagles inexperienced and white jersey at CHAN train you about your self and your sport?
Adedayo: Sporting the Tremendous Eagles jersey taught me about dignity. The type of feeling you’ve gotten when every part that issues to you on and off the pitch is about honouring the historical past and dignity of the nation. I’m glad to be chosen to put on the jersey with dignity.
PT: Many followers felt the CHAN workforce didn’t fairly hit its potential. What classes are you taking from that event into your membership profession this season with Remo Stars?
Adedayo: What occurred to us throughout the CHAN event is saddening. I’d first prefer to apologise to the followers for not bringing dwelling higher outcomes.
We already realised our mistake, and we’re sorry for not giving the followers the enjoyment they deserve. The event makes me realise the zeal to wish to win extra trophies… and that’s my purpose with my membership this season.
PT: Did enjoying with and in opposition to prime home-based gamers at CHAN change your mentality concerning the NPFL degree of competitors?
Adedayo: Sure. It modified it. It made me realise that there are top-quality gamers all over the place in Africa, and in several leagues aside from ours. On the NPFL, it makes me really feel that each one groups would even have the mindset to strengthen their squads, therefore growing the extent of competitors this season.
This season goes to be one other problem… tougher than final season.
PT: What was your favorite second on the competitors?
Adedayo: I’ll say reciting the nationwide anthem. That’s my favorite second.
PT: Remo Stars have had a full of life begin to the marketing campaign with two wins and a draw. How would you charge the workforce’s efficiency after the primary three matches?
Adedayo: That is just the start of the league. And we hope to proceed with this manner as a result of we wish to win the league once more. That’s our purpose. And we will do it.
PT: What areas of your sport are you most centered on bettering because the season progresses?
Adedayo: Properly, I’d say creating a number of probabilities. I feel I’ve to do extra for the strikers.
PT: Remo Stars are believed to be going all out to defend their title once more this season. Do you are feeling that strain, or does it encourage you as present champions?
Adedayo: Strain? There isn’t a strain. It’s extra like motivation for me. Defending the title is what we wish to do. And we are going to obtain that by God’s grace.
PT: You’ve been named captain after the exits of Junior Nduka and vice-captain Kayode Bankole. Do you are feeling further strain to ship now as captain of the defending champions?
Adedayo: It’s really a giant process being a captain. However I’m not feeling the strain that a lot. I simply wish to play the gorgeous sport, win extra trophies, and make my workforce proud for giving me this new duty.
PT: You’ve been tagged as one of many brightest younger midfielders within the league. How do you deal with that weight of expectation?
Adedayo: Properly, it’s actually a pleasure to be tagged as one of many brightest younger midfielders within the league. I’m decided to do extra. My dedication to realize extra is what retains me going.
PT: Wanting again at your journey to this point, what drives you each matchday whenever you step onto the pitch?
Adedayo: Dedication is the primary. Then I’ll say the sensation of enjoying every match, pondering of constructive outcomes, drives me in every sport I play to this point.
PT: What are your private targets this season when it comes to targets, assists, or management impression?
Adedayo: All. I wish to rating targets, I wish to make a number of assists, and I additionally wish to do my finest for the workforce as a frontrunner. I would like others to see me and be glad I’m carrying the captain’s armband.
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PT: Past the NPFL, do you see your self pushing for one more probability within the CHAN Eagles and even the principle Tremendous Eagles squad?
Adedayo: Sure, after all. That’s my goal as a footballer: representing the nation with every part I’ve. I might be glad to be known as upon, both CHAN or the principle Tremendous Eagles squad. I’ll give all my finest.
PT: Remo Stars have one of the crucial passionate fan bases within the NPFL. What message do you’ve gotten for them this season?
Adedayo: We’re profitable the trophies for them once more this season. That’s the message. They know I really like them already. Successful the trophy once more might be my reward for his or her dedication in the direction of the workforce.
PT: Lastly, in the event you needed to describe Olamilekan Adedayo’s sport in a single sentence to the followers, what would you say?
Adedayo: Connector.