Football
Osayi Kingdom Reveals Why He Joined NPFL Regning Champions, Rangers Int'l FC
Nigerian goalkeeper Osayi Kingdom shares why he chose NPFL champions Rangers Int'l FC, discussing his journey, inspirations, and determination to help the team retain their title
NPFL
In a bid to keep his dream alive as been one of the best goalkeeper to emerge from the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL Osayi Kingdom has delved why he chooses reigning league champions, Rangers Int'l over other Nigerian clubs.
Rangers won the 2023-24 Nigeria Premier Football League title garnering 70points with 21 wins from 38 games played. Osayi reasons are not far fetched as other inspiring goalkeepers who want to see their playing career to the Zenith.
The 23-year-old said he opted to represent Rangers Int'l with a direction from God.
OSAYI REASONS FOR JOINING RANGERS INT'L FC
Speaking on why he joined Rangers, Osayi said he wanted to make a statement with the league champions as inspired by God.
"It wasn't my decision to make but I needed to seek God's direction and that was why I opted for Rangers because He wants to set a standard that will place me in the history book of Rangers Int'l FC."
My achievements will be able to add value to the team by winning games when called upon. And to also support the team wholeheartedly when not playing, with me it's impossible but with God's guidance it's possible to retain the title.
Kingdom Osayi
PERSONAL LIFE AND CAREER RECORDS
Kingdom Osayi was born on June 3, 2004, to Caroline Obun and Augustine Osarumwnese Osayi from Esan South East of Edo State. He is the third of four siblings.
Osayi journey in football began at a tender age of 8 in Mushin, Lagos where he played as an outfield before fate caught up with him in a tournament to take up the goalkeeper role and today is arguably one of the best in the land.
Osayi Kingdom in the 2023-24 NPFL season was a standout, with an impressive 15 clean sheets for relegated Doma United last season, the club he joined in 2022 from the defunct Mountain of Fire and Miracle FC.
All my life has always been to be a professional footballer. Every time spent on being a professional footballer paid off.
Osayi Kingdom
DEDICATION ON THE FIELD AND FACING CHALLENGES
Osayi stressed the importance of constant approach to training, learning and maintaining fitness through the gym session. His commitment and dedication of being a team player speaks volume for him also having an individual mindset during challenging moments.
"After every game, I sit down to watch the clips, look at my mistakes, look at how to improve on those mistakes. Study the team will play next, their tactics to get goal, how to build. This has really helped me as a professional player."
The challenges I faced are part of my growing up to be a professional footballer some day.
"It was really challenging for me, selling sachet water, fruits, corn and plantain on the busy and bustling streets in Lagos to buy my kits and boots.
"They have been a lot of positives, trying times and negatives in my journey inspiring to be a professional footballer where it difficult to get food and funds for my upkeep."
INSPIRATION AND GOALKEEPING IDOLS
Femi Thomas, Vincent Enyeama, Thioubut Courtois of Real Madrid, Alisson Becker of Liverpool and Ederson Santana de Moraes of Manchester City are the iconic goalkeepers I draw inspiration from. Their ability, composure and calm decision-making styles inspires him to push harder and continually improve.
"Growing up as a kid, I avidly watched football, drawing up my inspiration from these iconic goalkeepers, even though I couldn't observe their play up close. For me Vincent Enyeama stands out as the prominent figure who has left a lasting impact on me.
"Despite not having the chance to witness his performances firsthand, I extensively viewed his clips, highlights, and read about his biography and achievements. The composure he displayed on the field left and indelible impression on me."
Femi Thomas is another goalkeeper that influenced me, his calm and decieve decision-making.
Outside the shores of Nigeria, Thioubut Courtois of Real Madrid, Alisson Becker of Liverpool and Ederson Santana de Moraes are goalkeepers that further impacted my drive to work harder and bring out the best in my abilities.
Vince Enyeama's journey holds a special place in my heart, and learning from these exemplary players serves as constant source of inspiration, motivation and being a driving force behind my contious quest for excellence."
Adeleye Gbenga S is a well-known Nigerian sports journalist with over 14 years of experience in writing, reportage and extensive coverage of Nigerian football. Having begun his career with Grassroots Searchlight Newspaper for almost two years and as an editor with FreekickNaija.com.ng .