Olagunju Olamide, known professionally as Akika LMD, navigates the challenging landscape of the Nigerian music industry while holding a deep-seated passion for football. His journey as an artist and content creator, he admits, has been fraught with the familiar struggles shared by many aspiring talents in Nigeria. The hope for success and divine intervention remain constant companions on this arduous path. Despite the demands of his chosen career, football still holds a special place in his heart, a lingering reminder of a path not taken. His allegiance to Liverpool, though tested by time constraints, underscores a lifelong connection to the sport. While his current engagements limit his active involvement as a fan, the embers of his footballing passion still glow brightly. Olamide’s identity extends beyond the studio and stage; he describes himself as a footballer, a “baller,” revealing a tangible link to the game beyond mere fandom.
Olamide’s footballing passion extends beyond casual support; he’s emotionally invested in the sport, confessing to shedding tears over his team’s misfortunes, particularly those involving Liverpool star Mohamed Salah. His disappointment reflects the universal emotions of football fans, highlighting the powerful connection between supporters and their clubs. This emotional investment underscores his genuine love for the beautiful game, a love that transcends his busy schedule and career demands. His perspective on Nigerian football, however, is tinged with frustration. He laments the perceived inadequacy of government investment, emphasizing the crucial role of financial motivation in driving success. He draws a stark contrast between the post-retirement experiences of Nigerian footballers, often facing financial hardship, and their international counterparts who enjoy comfortable lives after their playing careers. This disparity underscores the systemic issues plaguing Nigerian football and highlights the need for significant reforms.
Olamide’s proposed solution for revitalizing Nigerian football is radical: a complete overhaul of the existing administrative structure. He alleges corruption within the leadership, suggesting that talent and merit are often overlooked in favour of connections and influence. His call for a meritocratic system, where genuine football enthusiasts and experts manage the sport, emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability. He believes that by empowering those who genuinely care about the sport, Nigeria can unearth and nurture the abundant talent within the country, fostering a generation of players capable of representing the nation with pride. This structural change, he argues, is crucial for unlocking the true potential of Nigerian football.
Despite his current focus on music, Olamide retains a strong connection to the world of football. His return to active fandom, he suggests, hinges on the sporting pursuits of his children or close associates. Witnessing their success in the sport would rekindle his active engagement, transforming him from a passive supporter to a fully invested participant. This familial and fraternal connection highlights the enduring power of football to bind individuals and inspire renewed passion. His desire to contribute to the development of local football further cements his commitment to the sport. He envisions owning a local club and establishing an academy, providing a platform for aspiring footballers to hone their skills and attract international attention. This vision is driven by a desire to contribute to the success stories of young talents, offering them opportunities he might have missed.
Olamide offers pragmatic advice regarding career choices in football and music. While acknowledging the perceived financial allure of music, he acknowledges the inherent risks involved, comparing it to a high-stakes gamble. In contrast, he views a football career, particularly within a structured academy system, as a more secure and predictable path. He stresses the importance of pursuing one’s true passion and, for him, football reigns supreme. This candid assessment reflects his understanding of the realities of both industries, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making when choosing a career path. His willingness to share this perspective offers valuable guidance to aspiring talents navigating the complex world of entertainment and sports.
Beyond his individual aspirations, Olamide envisions contributing to the broader football landscape by creating an anthem for Nigeria or a major football event. This ambition reflects his love for the sport and his desire to merge his musical talents with his footballing passion. He views such a project as a natural extension of his artistic expression, a way to celebrate the unifying power of football. Addressing Nigeria’s current challenges in World Cup qualification, Olamide reiterates his call for increased government funding. He believes that adequate financial investment is the key to motivating players and unlocking their full potential. He argues that the disparity between players’ performances at club level and their contributions to the national team stems from a lack of motivation and belief in the system. This consistent emphasis on financial incentives underscores his belief that resources are the bedrock of success in football. Finally, in the age-old debate of Messi versus Ronaldo, Olamide leans towards the latter. While acknowledging Messi’s innate genius, he admires Ronaldo’s relentless work ethic, discipline, and focused lifestyle. This preference highlights Olamide’s appreciation for dedication and perseverance, values that resonate with his own journey in the competitive world of music.
