In an engaging interview with Ebenezar Bajela, Oluwafemi Omosebi, widely known as AkubaThe Crazy, shares his passion for football, childhood experiences, and his journey as a skit maker based in Ibadan. When Akuba is not busy creating skits, he emphasizes the importance of stepping away from his comedic persona and engaging in leisure activities, even if sports don’t dominate his interests. Although he expresses that his love for sports is somewhat casual, football stands out as a significant aspect of his life. He identifies as a fan of Liverpool Football Club, not merely for their achievements but due to his admiration for their manager, Jurgen Klopp. Akuba appreciates Klopp’s unique style of leadership and player relationships, which deepened his emotional connection to the club.
Akuba felt a profound sadness when Jurgen Klopp announced his departure from Liverpool. He acknowledges Klopp’s passionate influence on both the players and supporters. Nonetheless, his loyalty to the club remained intact even after Klopp’s exit, as he recognizes the promising future Liverpool has under the new managerial guidance of Arne Slot. Akuba remains optimistic about Liverpool’s chances of securing the Premier League title, noting the players’ continued hunger for success. He believes that while Manchester City presents a formidable challenge, Slot’s managerial abilities can still lead Liverpool to triumph.
The conversation takes an interesting turn when the topic shifts to one of football’s biggest debates—comparing Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Akuba confidently expresses his preference for Messi, citing the Argentine’s inspiring performance during the recent World Cup in Qatar. He admires Messi’s determination and skill, which ultimately led him to view the player as the best in the world. Transitioning to Nigerian football, Akuba highlights Osaze Odemwingie and Victor Moses as his favorite Nigerian players, recalling their impactful contributions to the Super Eagles. His observations regarding the recent turmoil faced by the national team emphasize the broader issues of disorganization within the sport, especially the incident where players were stranded at the airport.
Revisiting his childhood, Akuba fondly recounts his active involvement in sports, especially football. He enjoyed playing both as a striker and a goalkeeper, showcasing his versatility on the pitch. However, despite his skill and passion, he never considered pursuing football as a career. He reflects on the lack of financial backing and the absence of aspiration to transition into professional sports, viewing his childhood football experiences primarily as a form of entertainment rather than a potential career path. Akuba’s perspective speaks to many who enjoyed sports in their youth without the goal of becoming professionals.
As a father, Akuba offers some heartfelt advice to his children regarding a career in sports. He believes that having a passion for something is essential and encourages them to love what they do first and foremost, as the financial rewards of a sporting career can follow if pursued with dedication. Akuba recalls the countless times he defied his parents’ wishes to play football with friends as a child, humorously highlighting some of the punishments he faced, such as ‘frog jumps.’ Despite the consequences, his passion for the game often overshadowed any regret he might have felt at the time, as his love for football was simply too strong to resist.
Ultimately, Akuba’s reflection on his life reveals no regrets about not playing football professionally. He articulates that his involvement with the sport was always driven by enjoyment rather than ambition. Instead, he finds fulfillment in his current career of skit-making, which he describes as a natural and effortless expression of his creativity. This acceptance of his past and the joy he finds in his current endeavors illustrates a deeper understanding of purpose, highlighting how one can express their passions and talents in various forms, whether through sports, comedy, or other avenues.
