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I-League: The Shahenshah Of I-League - Odafa Okolie
The topscorer in the I-League for the last three seasons spoke to Goal.com on a plethora of topics...
11-Nov-2009 10:12:44 AM
His name spells doom for the I-League defenders as much as
gangsters would fear ‘Shahenshah’ or the Indian Batman. He is like the ‘Toofan’
whose magic spells leave everyone spellbound. In case, you are wondering why I
am giving such seemingly bizarre analogies, the next few sentences will put
things in perspective.
“Having stayed in India for the last few years, there are several things I like about this place. I am a big fan of Amitabh Bachchan and have watched several of his movies. I loved ‘Toofan’ the most. Shah Rukh Khan is also a great actor as his ‘Chak De India’ is an inspirational movie,” said Odafa Okolie.
The Nigerian star had been in the line of fire from several quarters who were criticizing him for the lack of goals and believed that the star striker had lost his goalscoring form. In the first five matches, Odafa had scored twice, with just a single goal from open play and was also sent-off against Viva Kerala.
“It’s unfair to judge a player by a few games. People think one should score in every game and against everyone. I don’t blame them but they do write too much negative,” mentioned the Churchill skipper.
People began to doubt whether Churchill Brothers are championship material given that they didn’t have the best of starts in the I-League this season. They have maintained their unbeaten record but have drawn more than the games they have won. Amidst all this hullaballoo, Odafa maintained his calm and kept chanting the famous Amitabh Bachchan number from ‘Toofan’: Don’t worry. Be happy!
“Sometimes, it happens in football. We kept trying to win matches and were focussed on our job. Now, we are placed second in the league. One win and we are top of the table. I always believed that we shall come good as we showed in the IFA Shield and the Durand Cup.”
The Demolition Man
Dempo SC have been the most dominant Indian side in recent years and their rivalry with Churchill Brothers has brought several football fans across the nation to take notice of their duels. Last Sunday, Odafa Okolie inspired Churchill to their first win over Dempo in seven years in the nation’s top division. For those who viewed the spectacle, the game was amongst equals, unlike the Kolkata derby where one side merely succumbed to the pressure, and a tremendous attacking display was put on show.
“It’s one of our greatest achievements. I have never beaten Dempo in the I-League and it’s all due to the glory of God. The other reason we won was that we have good players. I thank my team-mates for not giving up despite trailing in the game.”
But life for Odafa Okolie has been tough this season as all teams employ at least a couple of defenders to man mark him which doesn’t allow the player any space and time to manoeuvre.
“This has been the trend this season. Two or three defenders are on me but that’s fine. This gives Felix (Chimaokwu) and Kalu (Nnanna) good space when the opposition defenders focus on me.”
Odafa plays it safe when asked as to who are the favourites along with his side to win the I-League title.
“All the teams are too close at this point and we can’t rule anyone out. It’s too early to talk about this.”
On Friday, Churchill Brothers take on Chirag United in Goa and another moment of inspiration from their skipper shall see them end the first phase of the I-League at the helm of affairs, which none expected them to. After all, expectations are meant to be broken!
Hobbies: Playstation 3
Favourite Music: Nigerian Music
Favourite Artist: 2Pac or Tupac Shakur
Favourite Club: Arsenal – I love their style of football
Favourite Coach: Jose Mourinho – He believes in his players and boosts their morale. He is different from most of the coaches.
Favourite Striker: Brazil’s Ronaldo is my all-time favourite. Of the present lot, Torres, Drogba and Eto’o are the best.
Rahul Bali.
“Having stayed in India for the last few years, there are several things I like about this place. I am a big fan of Amitabh Bachchan and have watched several of his movies. I loved ‘Toofan’ the most. Shah Rukh Khan is also a great actor as his ‘Chak De India’ is an inspirational movie,” said Odafa Okolie.
"I always believed that we shall come good"
The Nigerian star had been in the line of fire from several quarters who were criticizing him for the lack of goals and believed that the star striker had lost his goalscoring form. In the first five matches, Odafa had scored twice, with just a single goal from open play and was also sent-off against Viva Kerala.
“It’s unfair to judge a player by a few games. People think one should score in every game and against everyone. I don’t blame them but they do write too much negative,” mentioned the Churchill skipper.
People began to doubt whether Churchill Brothers are championship material given that they didn’t have the best of starts in the I-League this season. They have maintained their unbeaten record but have drawn more than the games they have won. Amidst all this hullaballoo, Odafa maintained his calm and kept chanting the famous Amitabh Bachchan number from ‘Toofan’: Don’t worry. Be happy!
“Sometimes, it happens in football. We kept trying to win matches and were focussed on our job. Now, we are placed second in the league. One win and we are top of the table. I always believed that we shall come good as we showed in the IFA Shield and the Durand Cup.”
The Demolition Man
Dempo SC have been the most dominant Indian side in recent years and their rivalry with Churchill Brothers has brought several football fans across the nation to take notice of their duels. Last Sunday, Odafa Okolie inspired Churchill to their first win over Dempo in seven years in the nation’s top division. For those who viewed the spectacle, the game was amongst equals, unlike the Kolkata derby where one side merely succumbed to the pressure, and a tremendous attacking display was put on show.
“It’s one of our greatest achievements. I have never beaten Dempo in the I-League and it’s all due to the glory of God. The other reason we won was that we have good players. I thank my team-mates for not giving up despite trailing in the game.”
But life for Odafa Okolie has been tough this season as all teams employ at least a couple of defenders to man mark him which doesn’t allow the player any space and time to manoeuvre.
“This has been the trend this season. Two or three defenders are on me but that’s fine. This gives Felix (Chimaokwu) and Kalu (Nnanna) good space when the opposition defenders focus on me.”
Odafa plays it safe when asked as to who are the favourites along with his side to win the I-League title.
“All the teams are too close at this point and we can’t rule anyone out. It’s too early to talk about this.”
On Friday, Churchill Brothers take on Chirag United in Goa and another moment of inspiration from their skipper shall see them end the first phase of the I-League at the helm of affairs, which none expected them to. After all, expectations are meant to be broken!
Hobbies: Playstation 3
Favourite Music: Nigerian Music
Favourite Artist: 2Pac or Tupac Shakur
Favourite Club: Arsenal – I love their style of football
Favourite Coach: Jose Mourinho – He believes in his players and boosts their morale. He is different from most of the coaches.
Favourite Striker: Brazil’s Ronaldo is my all-time favourite. Of the present lot, Torres, Drogba and Eto’o are the best.
Rahul Bali.
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