“From Street Football to Silverware: The Rise of Coach Adepoju Banjo Ayodeji”

“From Street Football to Silverware: The Rise of Coach Adepoju Banjo Ayodeji”

Coach Adepoju  Banjo Ayodeji  in an  Interview with our Correspondent,Kanu Samuel

Journalist: Your name, please.

Coach: Adepoju Banjo Ayodeji.

Journalist: When did you begin your coaching career?

Coach: I started in 2006. By August this year, it will make it 20 years.

Journalist: That’s impressive. What inspired you to start so early?

Coach: I’ve always loved football. During my playing days, I didn’t get the opportunity to pursue it professionally, but someone noticed my qualities while I was playing on the streets.

Journalist: Who was that, and what did he do?

Coach: His name is Femi Kukoyi. He saw my potential and invited me to join one of the Aspire Academy zones in Akure in 2007.

Journalist: Between 2006 and now, how many coaching certificates have you obtained?

Coach: I’ve earned 12 certificates.

Journalist: Can you mention some of them?

Coach: Yes. Aspire Academy certificates (2007, 2008, 2009), NIS Advanced Certificate (2009), FUTA Sports Science (2014), CAF License C (Abuja), Diploma in Psychology in Coaching (Erol University, London), FCAN C License, H&B Modern Day Coaching Seminar, and LaLiga Coaching Certificates (2014, 2015, 2016).

Journalist: That’s remarkable. Over nearly 20 years, which players have you coached locally and internationally?

Coach: I have over five players abroad, more than 15 in the Nigeria Premier League and NNL, and over 10 in Nationwide League One.

Journalist: Can you mention a few?

Coach: Abroad, players like Banjo Ogunji and Aroon Olugbogi. In Nigeria, Awosanmi Promise, Nwosu Chinedu, and Ayo Adejubu, among others.

Journalist: Who has been your biggest mentor?

Coach: Coach Edith Agoye.

Journalist: Why him?

Coach: I’ve worked under many great coaches, but he stands out. He mentored and guided me closely.

Journalist: Any foreign coaches you admire?

Coach: I haven’t had the opportunity to work under foreign coaches yet. However, I respect several Nigerian coaches like Coach Makaba, Coach Ilechukwu, and Coach Daniel Ogunmodede.

They are excellent, and I hope to surpass their achievements someday.

Journalist: How would you describe your coaching journey since 2006?

Coach: I started on the streets in 2006, then joined Aspire Academy from 2007 to 2009.

After earning my NIS Advanced Certificate in 2009, I did my industrial attachment with Rising Stars under Coach Baraje. I later worked with Abaj Soccer Academy before moving to the Sports Council.

I qualified the Ondo State football team for the National Sports Festival in 2010 and was later employed by the Ondo State Football Agency. In 2016, I worked as an assistant coach with Sunshine Stars FC.

In 2017, I became Head Coach of Rising Stars FC, and from 2018 to 2021, I served as Head Coach of Akure City FC.

During this time, I reached four FA Cup finals with Sunshine Stars FC and made it to the Round of 16 in the 2021 National FA Cup.

In the 2021/2022 season, I returned to Sunshine Stars with seven players from Akure City FC to assist Coach Edith Agoye. We qualified for the Super Six and finished 4th.

In the 2022/2023 season, after the first round, we were asked to step aside. I later joined Adamimogo FC in 2023/2024 but left after six months due to personal reasons. After that, I founded my own academy, Benfad FC.

Journalist: What inspired you to start your own academy?

Coach: I’m passionate about talent development. Also, coaching jobs can be unstable, so I wanted something sustainable that keeps me active in football.

Journalist: What have you achieved with Benfad FC so far?

Coach: We’ve participated in several scouting programs and competitions, and our players are developing well.

Journalist: Can you be more specific?

Coach: Recently, we won the Ondo State Bet9ja League 2026 and the Power Football Tournament in 2023.

Journalist: 2026 seems like a great year for you—two trophies in just three months. What’s the secret?

Coach: We thank God. It’s all about dedication, determination, and focus.

Journalist: If given the opportunity to coach a Premier League team, are you ready?

Coach: Yes, that’s my goal. With the experience I’ve gained working under top coaches in Nigeria, I believe I’m ready.

Journalist: What would help you succeed at that level?

Coach: Good management that understands Nigerian football, proper welfare for players and staff, and a conducive working environment.

Journalist: What steps would you take if appointed today?

Coach: I would work closely with management, my staff, and key stakeholders to build a strong team capable of winning the league.

Journalist: At the NDDC Sports Festival, did you believe you could win gold?

Coach: You have to believe in your team.

One thing I’ve learned is to avoid sentiment—it has helped me a lot. We went with our best players.

Journalist: Finally, do you have a manager?
Coach: Not at the moment.

Journalist: Would you like one?
Coach: Yes, of course.

Journalist: I might introduce you to someone (laughs).

Coach: No problem.

Journalist: It’s been great speaking with you.

Coach: The pleasure is mine.