Kemen Ekerette, a former Big Brother Naija housemate and fitness expert, reflects on his passion for football, his experience training professional athletes, and the current state of Nigerian and international football. His involvement with football extends beyond the pitch, encompassing community outreach programs, such as a Christmas event with Wilfred Ndidi and children in Ajegunle. He highlights the importance of such initiatives in giving back to society and fostering positive relationships with his clientele. Kemen emphasizes his role as a master trainer, adept at tailoring fitness regimens to the specific needs of professional athletes, distinguishing his work from general weight management training.
Kemen’s clientele includes prominent Nigerian footballers like Odion Ighalo, who facilitated his entry into the world of athletic training, building trust and opening doors to work with other athletes such as Ogenyi Onazi, Kenneth Omeruo, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Boniface, Victor Osimhen, Frank Onyeka, and even veterans like Emmanuel Emenike. His nostalgic recollections of Nigerian football’s golden era, marked by AFCON victories and Enyimba’s dominance in the CAF Champions League, underscore his deep-rooted connection with the sport. He fondly remembers players like Romanus Orjinta, Okemmiri Ogbonna, and Onyekachi Okonkwo, reminiscing about the fierce competitiveness and captivating style of Nigerian football that once resonated across the continent.
While acknowledging the decline of the Nigeria Premier Football League, Kemen expresses hope for its resurgence. He notes that despite increased social media presence by clubs, the league has yet to recapture the widespread interest it once commanded. He recalls a time when fans fervently followed clubs like Enyimba, Bayelsa United, Kano Pillars, and Wikki Tourists, even without the pervasive influence of social media. Kemen suggests that the league needs to prioritize reconnecting with fans and regaining the excitement it once generated to compete with the allure of foreign leagues, particularly the English Premier League. His passion for football is rooted in his family history, with his father being a pioneer member of Calabar Rovers. Though discouraged from pursuing a professional career in football due to his father’s concerns, Kemen maintains his love for the game, playing recreationally and even enjoying friendly matches with national team players.
As a Manchester United supporter, Kemen experiences a mix of emotions. He acknowledges the tactical inconsistencies plaguing the team, ranging from disciplined performances to unexpected defeats against lower-ranked opponents. While acknowledging the club’s rich heritage, he questions the ownership’s decisions and expresses concern over the prevalent “errors” within the club’s structure. He points to player retention issues and the need for new leadership, questioning Bruno Fernandes’s recent form and influence. He remains optimistic about the club’s future, emphasizing the need for significant changes and a less complaining leader. Kemen believes that with the right mindset and a willingness to make difficult decisions, manager Ruben Amorim has the potential to guide Manchester United back to its former glory.
Kemen’s perspectives on football provide a multifaceted view of the sport, encompassing his personal connection as a fan and recreational player, his professional involvement as a fitness trainer for elite athletes, and his critical assessment of the challenges facing both Nigerian and international football. His insights highlight the dynamic interplay between individual passion, professional expertise, and the broader context of the sport’s evolution and challenges. His commitment to fitness training, coupled with his nostalgic reflections on Nigerian football’s past, demonstrates a deep appreciation for the game at both the personal and professional levels.
Kemen’s experiences and opinions reveal a nuanced understanding of the football landscape, from grassroots community engagement to the intricacies of training professional athletes and the complexities of managing a high-profile club like Manchester United. His story highlights the importance of giving back to the community, the dedication required to excel in fitness training, and the enduring passion that fuels the world of football. His insights offer valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing football at various levels, from local leagues to the global stage. He embodies the spirit of a dedicated fan, a skilled professional, and a thoughtful observer of the beautiful game.
