Lawal:It’s great honour to play alongside Obafemi Martins

What motivated you to go into football?Well, I am the only son of my father but I have four amazing and lovely sisters. The biggest thing that motivated me to go into football is the thrill and excitement of the game. Since when I was a child I have always found football to be exciting […]

What motivated you to go into football?
Well, I am the only son of my father but I have four amazing and lovely sisters. The biggest thing that motivated me to go into football is the thrill and excitement of the game. Since when I was a child I have always found football to be exciting and I am glad that I got into it because it has always been my dream from the start.
How does it feel scoring a brace on your debut and were you really prepared to be involved on the day?
It feels great knowing that you have worked hard to earn the start which isn’t easy considering all the efforts and waiting but Thank God I was able to take my chance when it came and showed the coach what I could do. As for preparations, am always prepared because that’s why you practice every day and you’re being paid for it so it’s natural that you practice every day as if you are sure of playing the next game.
 How supportive have the Seattle senior players, especially Obafemi Martins who also is a Nigerian been to you as young player?
They have been supportive a lot, especially in the areas such as working with young players that play same position as them which is good for the players because as the senior players, we see them as our role models and to be able to learn from them directly makes a lot of sense. So I will say they have been helpful in that regard. Martins has been amazing with me. He has been doing the same thing with me and other young forwards, considering we have a lot to learn from a player like him that has achieved a lot in the game.
 Any thoughts on your international future, will you pick Nigeria ahead of the USA when the time comes?
In my opinion, that’s a decision I am not prepared to make at the moment. I will prefer to take things slowly as they come and when the time comes everyone would know where my international future lies but for now I can’t say.
Who is your favourite Nigerian player of all time and why?
I will honestly say Martins because he could score superb goals anytime, remember his goal was voted ‘goal of the week in the MSL two weeks ago and considering we play the same position it’s natural that I’ll look up to him. He’s the only Nigerian player I watch play in practice and games and on and off the field. He is a good man and someone you pray to be like one day and am not saying this cause we on the same team. Am saying it cause he’s the only guy that match my style of play and will learn from.
When last where you in Nigeria and how soon do you intend to visit?
The last time I visited the country was in 2010 but I intend to visit soon by the Grace of God to attend to issues
The MLS is growing but European leagues are much better, do you dream of moving to Europe and which team are you interested in?
You are right, even though the MLS is growing fast, it is still seen as inferior to the European leagues and rightly so because the league itself is still in its infant stages but we are getting there and the number one team I would like to play for in Europe is Liverpool because the team matches my style of play with its high tempo pressing style which I really enjoy.
How do you spend your leisure time away from football?
Away from football, I only stay at home and watch Netflix because I am not too much of an outdoor person. And I also like to cook which is one of my favourite pastimes.
What do you know about Super Eagles manager Stephen Keshi?
Keshi is doing a great job with the players available for him. It is just that the players need to put in more effort for their country and not only their club sides as some of the players are suspected of doing because at the end of the day if they don’t put in the right work rates it makes the coach and the team look bad.
What is your relationship with Obafemi Martins away from the field of play?
Away from the field of play, I will say no relationship. We all know he’s a family man and as a young player I want to do my thing and hang with my friends. I see him every time and practice with him plus the advice he is giving me is enough to get me going in life and it’s something I really appreciate from someone like him.
Apart from scoring goals what other roles do you think you could accept on the field?
Apart from operating as a full-fledged striker, I could also play from the left midfield position which is another enjoyable position of mine because it allows me to drift in with incisive runs to either score stunning goals or assist other players.