Surajudeen "Jarus" Oyewale: A Passionate Pursuit of Football Alongside a Thriving Career
Surajudeen Oyewale, widely recognized by his moniker "Jarus," is a prominent career coach and entrepreneur who harbors a deep-seated passion for football. Beyond his professional endeavors, Jarus actively engages in the sport, playing as a striker for his own amateur team, Jarus FC, and ardently supporting Arsenal Football Club. His dedication to football extends beyond mere fandom; it’s a personal commitment that fuels his well-being and provides a much-needed outlet from the demands of his busy schedule.
Jarus’s dedication to football manifests in his meticulously tracked goal-scoring record. Each year, he sets a target of 60 to 70 goals, diligently counting every successful strike, regardless of the match format. This self-imposed challenge isn’t just about physical fitness; it’s a source of joy and a tangible goal that motivates him throughout the year. Supported by his dedicated cameraman, who documents his football exploits, Jarus plays three to four times a week, emphasizing the importance of consistency in achieving his objectives, both professional and personal. This rigorous schedule is a testament to his commitment to maintaining a balance between his career and his passion.
Jarus’s current fervent engagement with football is a stark contrast to his younger years, where he was often relegated to the sidelines. Lacking the advantages of owning a ball, possessing exceptional skills, or commanding a dominant presence, he found himself frequently among the last players chosen for a team. However, this early experience fuels his present dedication. Establishing himself in Lagos, he actively sought opportunities to play, joining local groups and ultimately finding a niche as a striker, a position well-suited to his preference for a less physically demanding role. Over the past 15 years, football has become an integral part of his life, allowing him to relive and fulfill the footballing aspirations of his youth.
The genesis of Jarus FC stemmed from his consistent involvement with local football communities. Having played with numerous neighborhood teams, he often found himself sponsoring them for competitions. In 2013, he supported a team in Ajah for a local tournament, marking the beginning of their regular participation and eventual victories. This organic growth culminated in the formal registration of Jarus FC in 2023. The team’s success has extended beyond local tournaments. One player, with Jarus FC’s support, attended the Manchester City Football School in the UK, gaining valuable experience and ultimately securing a contract with another club. Jarus’s commitment to fostering talent and facilitating opportunities for his players underscores his dedication to the sport and his community.
Jarus FC’s participation in the Lagos Liga in 2023 provided valuable exposure, despite the team’s limited success in the competition. The team’s vibrant fanbase, traveling en masse to matches, and their significant online presence contributed to the tournament’s overall popularity. Coupled with their victory in the NNPC/Oleum Cup, Jarus FC gained considerable recognition. While the Lagos Liga represents their highest-level competition to date, Jarus also organizes the "Offa Classico" – matches between Jarus FC Offa and another Offa-based team – twice a year, further demonstrating his commitment to community development through sport.
Despite his dedication, Jarus’s venture into higher-level football competition has been tempered by the significant financial realities of running a club. The expenses associated with travel, accommodation, and tournament fees for the Lagos Liga and other competitions revealed the substantial investment required. While still evaluating the feasibility of elevating Jarus FC to the NLO or NNL, he remains cognizant of the financial commitment needed to ensure the team’s comfort, salaries, and competitive edge. For now, Jarus FC continues to operate at a recreational level, unregistered with any state FA or national leagues. His pragmatic approach balances his passion with the financial realities of professional football.
Beyond his own football endeavors, Jarus remains a devoted Arsenal supporter, following the club for over two decades. While acknowledging the team’s promising Champions League performance, he remains cautious about their title prospects, citing their historical tendency to falter in crucial moments. He harbors less optimism for their Premier League campaign, conceding that a title win would be a near miracle. Despite these tempered expectations, his long-standing loyalty to the club remains unwavering, a testament to his resilience as a fan.
Jarus’s passion for football extends beyond playing and supporting teams. He intends to experience Nigerian club football firsthand, aiming to attend matches involving Kwara United, his home-state team, and other local clubs. Having experienced the electrifying atmosphere of UK matches, he hopes for a similar experience within Nigeria’s football scene. This desire reflects his broad interest in football across different levels and contexts.
Finally, Jarus’s passion for Nigerian football manifests in his interest in young talent, particularly Ethan Nwaneri, the Arsenal prodigy eligible to represent both Nigeria and England. He strongly advocates for Nwaneri to choose Nigeria, believing his skills and ball-playing abilities would significantly benefit the Super Eagles. Citing the example of Alex Iwobi, Jarus hopes Nwaneri will choose to represent his Nigerian heritage. This sentiment reflects his deep-rooted desire for the advancement of Nigerian football on the international stage.
