Yusuf Otubanjo, a seasoned striker with a rich history in international youth football and a prolific career spanning various European leagues, reflects on his journey in professional football, highlighting his achievements, challenges, and aspirations. His five-year tenure in the Armenian Premier League, marked by consistent goal-scoring prowess and team successes, provides a central focus. Otubanjo emphasizes the league’s competitive yet less pressured environment, allowing players to hone their skills and showcase their abilities on a European stage through consistent Europa League qualification. He acknowledges the steady improvement in the league’s standards over the years, contributing to his growth and development as a footballer.
Otubanjo’s impressive record in Armenia includes league titles with two different clubs, individual accolades such as best player and highest goal scorer awards, and a landmark achievement as the highest-scoring foreign player in the league’s history. He recognizes these accomplishments as testaments to his dedication and continuous improvement. While acknowledging the importance of league performance, he also highlights his European experiences as crucial factors in gaining wider recognition. These accomplishments in a less mainstream league have allowed him to carve a niche for himself and solidify his reputation as a consistent performer.
Reflecting on his thirteen-year European journey, Otubanjo traces his beginnings from Atletico Madrid’s third team, where visa issues and lack of proper agent representation curtailed his potential progress in Spain. Despite this initial setback, he maintained his desire to play in La Liga, attracted by its entertaining style. His experiences across different leagues have shaped his career path, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of football and the importance of adapting to various circumstances. He emphasizes the importance of continuous progress and the unpredictability of the future, suggesting that his next move could take him anywhere.
Before venturing into European football, Otubanjo gained valuable experience playing for Nigerian clubs like Julius Berger, Gateway, and Crown FC. These early stints, particularly the rigorous daily commute between Lagos and Abeokuta for training with Julius Berger, instilled in him the discipline and resilience needed for a career abroad. He credits these experiences for preparing him for the challenges and demands of professional football. His commitment and perseverance paved the way for his transition to international youth football and subsequent European career.
Otubanjo recounts his journey through Nigeria’s youth ranks, highlighting the complexities and often-unseen challenges within the system. His path to the U-17 World Cup was fraught with multiple trials, coaching changes, and the unfortunate reality of needing “godfathers” and financial backing to progress. Despite these hurdles, he persevered, making the final squad through sheer talent and the support of a few key individuals. However, his experience in the tournament itself was bittersweet, with limited playing time despite demonstrating his capabilities. He reveals the frustrating situation of having to pay for playing time, an experience that exposed him to the less savory aspects of youth football.
Despite the disappointments at the U-17 level, Otubanjo maintained his national team aspirations. He recounts the broken promises regarding automatic promotion to the U-20 team, conditional on playing in a “good team and a good league.” Despite securing a place at Atletico Madrid, he was overlooked for the U-20 squad, a disheartening experience that highlighted inconsistencies in the selection process. However, his U-23 experience under Austin Eaguavoen and Daniel Amokachi provided a more positive and fulfilling national team experience, allowing him to compete against older players and further refine his skills.
Otubanjo’s continued success in Europe, including scoring a memorable goal in the Europa Conference League, fueled his hopes of a Super Eagles call-up. Despite setting personal targets, achieving top scorer accolades, and gaining European experience, the call never came. He acknowledges the disappointment but remains philosophical, highlighting the importance of consistently performing at a high level irrespective of recognition. The spectacular Conference League goal, which earned him goal of the week and goal of the group stage awards, further solidified his reputation and provided a memorable moment in his career.
Comparing his experiences across various European leagues, Otubanjo ranks his time in Armenia as unparalleled, surpassing even his experience in Austria, where he made his Champions League debut and scored his first goal in the competition. He emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement, aiming to surpass his previous performances each season. His adaptability to different environments, evident in his efforts to learn the local languages of the countries he’s played in, underscores his commitment to integrating into new cultures and maximizing his experiences.
Looking ahead, Otubanjo maintains a focus on continued success in the Armenian league, aiming for another league title and top scorer award. He dismisses any notion of age being a barrier, emphasizing the importance of physical fitness and the drive to keep playing and enjoying the game. His career demonstrates resilience, adaptability, and a consistent pursuit of excellence, despite facing systemic challenges and unrealized national team dreams. His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring footballers navigating the complex pathways of professional football.
