BENUE HAS UNTAPPED TALENTS IN ALL SPORTS, THE PROBLEM IS DISCIPLINE- FANENDO ADI

THE TRANSMITTER hooked up with a Benue born international footballer, Fanendo Adi who currently plays with FC Cincinnati in the United States of America. The forward spoke of sports development in Nigeria with Benue state in focus, reflecting on his career and personal life over time.

THE TRANSMITTER: It is an honour to be in your house to discuss issues we feel will be impactful to the Benue youths. May we meet you formally, who is Fanendo Adi?

ADI: Thank you very much for having me. I am Fanendo Adi as you said, from Ushongo Local government. Obviously, I am from Benue, Nigeria. I try to come back every time to spend time with my family, friends and loved ones. I am excited to be here and obviously, I am excited to speak to you.

THE TRANSMITTER: How did you get there? So many young stars will tell you it is not easy to cross the seas, and go ply the trade abroad. How did you do it?

ADI: Obviously, it is not easy; I don’t think anyone playing professionally out there will tell you they find it easy. It takes a lot of work. First of all it takes what is called grace, because there are more than a thousand better footballers than I am but with the grace of God. I was that lucky to be one among the chosen ones God blessed to be in a position I am today. But of course, it is hard work. It did not just come from God and I happened to be there, I was training daily and with discipline, focus and all of those things. The door came, it opened for me and I gladly accepted it. So, obviously I was here playing with my secondary school team mates for Shell Cup and all of those things. So, I met a guy who took me to Lagos. It is a long story I cannot say all the things but it takes the grace of God and hard work and all of those things and a bit of luck because luck is what you create- you create your own luck and I think that is what a lot of people fail to understand. Many will easily say one is lucky but obviously  he is not just lucky, he created his own luck, and when the door came, it open for me and I accepted it with good hands. I went out there, it was not easy, it was not all rosy all of a sudden. Even out there you need to work really hard and train twice harder than the indigenes of the country you are plying your trade, because they are indigenes and you are just a foreigner coming, so you need to work harder. To play where I am playing now is absolutely the grace of God.

THE TRANSMITTER: That is fine. When you say out there, people reading you would want to know how many clubs you have played so far and what divisions, and where you are right now?

ADI: I played mostly first divisions. Right now, I am playing with FC Cincinnati in Ohio, USA; major soccer league. Before then, I played in Portland Timbers; I played with Copenhagen, Dynamo- kyiev and so on. I have being around and obviously I had good guys I worked with who helped me with my exposure and have taken me to these clubs. Like I have said earlier, it takes the grace of God to last on the game as I have lasted for this long. It usually takes the grace of God and your family, loved ones, your children, and most importantly your wife, supporting you with prayers and all of those things. Yes it’s been a long journey playing with FC Cincinnati I think I still got few more years in my shoes [laughter].

THE TRANSMITTER: How many trophies have you won so far?

ADI: I won two professional trophies that was my first time in Slovakia. Then I won a professional trophy in Portland Timbers in 2015. We won the league. So those were my noticeable trophies.

THE TRANSMITTER: How do you compare the league out there with what obtains in Africa generally?

ADI: It is not even close, talk about financial and  infrastructure wise. Everything basically from transportation to the jerseys, to the balls, everything about the football here and there is not just comparable. I think South Africans have a decent league. Egypt as well, but they are also lacking in a lot of things. Nigeria is not even close to South African league. We may have better players, maybe quality players- individual players, but when you look at the infrastructure, the investment in the South African league, we are well behind we don’t have standard stadia, not even the basic things for professionals to be able to do well. The investment in our sports is not enough. Is where we are lacking and I think those in authority know and then those of us playing abroad know that our league is not good enough because the quality should be better than what it is.

THE TRANSMITTER: What are people like you who are stakeholders in the football game doing to salvage the situation in the whole of Africa?

ADI: For me, I am not that big to represent Africa. I am big to represent Benue state and Benue is my sole interest because it has to start at home. We need to start it, have and give examples to people out there. I want to be very invested in sport development in Benue State. Before I met you this evening, I returned from a game where U-18 played this evening at the Stadium. I was there to talk to them and give them some advice. You see, there are many guys with talents; guys you think can do something tomorrow but the environment is not encouraging. If a government gives opportunity for private guys to come in the state and invest, who creates the conducive environment? It is the government because I cannot as a private guy create the environment, and put my money in the sport. No! The environment has to be conducive for you to invest. Let’s talk about Benue; I trained this morning with Lobi Stars Feeder Team. We played a game against them. I played for the North Bank Team. We beat them 3-2. I asked myself while playing if actually this is the feeder team for Lobi Stars. They were absolutely not good. Authoritatively, they were not good to be a feeder professional team. Why I am saying this is because some are even older than me. How is this possible in terms of development? They said they are using it for something else. Feeder team shouldn’t have players older than 18 years. In Europe at 18 they are playing, in our case, many are still in academics because parents will not allow their child to go out and play football. The guys in the Lobi Stars feeder are old for that category.

THE TRANSMITTER: When you said the environment/government not providing the environment, what do you really mean?

ADI: I mean the stadium; places to train; the gym houses, they have none of these. The gym facilities at Healthy Ways where I had once visited are not in good shape now. Nobody maintains them because of poor patronage. It is a complex thing whenever reference is made to sports development in Nigeria particularly in Benue state. Our government does not see how much it will benefit if investment is made in sports. There is a lot to be tapped. Like I said before, the government does not know how much it will generate from a well constructed stadium. It is for us to keep saying, in the hope that government hears one day.

THE TRANSMITTER: How do you appreciate the past and present of Lobi Stars Football Club?

ADI: Every year is different. Management comes and goes. Last year they were in CAF but did not go through the stages. However, this year they have started so well. I have people working in there from whom I always ask to know the progress of the team .I like to know because for me I so love Benue and always want to know everything about the state. Lobi has all it takes to be the best in Nigeria. Benue state is the home for best players, why can’t we have players on the national team? Why can’t we have a robust Lobi stars? We have great talents here.

THE TRANSMITTER: What is responsible for the sad end of football talents in the state?

ADI: The cause is just one word, ‘discipline.’ There is no discipline; they become bankrupt as soon as they  stop playing. When I stop playing, I hope for a good life. I may not have resources as I used to have in my playing days, but I will be fine. Discipline off the pitch should be important to every young talent because on the pitch you are playing to impress people, behind however it is about yourself.  This is where you eat well, sleep well ; drink responsibly. All this matter a lot when I spoke to the kids at the stadium. I told them to be wary of these guys who call themselves “Senior Men” because they haven’t gone an inch in all ways. Five hundred thousand in their pockets way and they go crazy this is what you see when people without discipline see money. Financial discipline is important whatever a player earns is his and must learn to be discipline in spending.

THE TRANSMITTER: Where do you see Benue sports  in the next ten years based on what you have seen on ground, any hope for the round leather game?

ADI: Zero hope. Let’s call a spade a spade. The Benue sport will not go anywhere until the right thing is done.

THE TRANSMITTER: What is that right thing here?

ADI: Provide the necessary infrastructure; provide the enabling environment to get more people involve. It takes government goodwill and willingness to do these things. The government can do it. It is not beyond its scope.

THE TRANSMITTER: What do you think is responsible for the government indifference to sports in the state?

ADI: Like I said, the state is not aware of how much sports can bring in terms of revenues.

THE TRANSMITTER: Can we see Fanendo Adi becoming the Head Coach of Lobi Stars or the Commissioner for Sports some day in Benue State?

ADI: Hopefully! I will be ruthless though. I may not last on any of the jobs because mine would always be about telling the government the truth in all circumstances.

THE TRANSMITTER: What has being your contributions towards supporting the government?

ADI: I have being giving financial support to Lobi stars. In one of the game where Lobi Stars played against Rangers of Enugu. I was there to watch and I made a pledge of 2million naira. Part of the money was given and in the end, despite my strict instruction that the money be given to the players, I was shocked to hear it was not given to them.

THE TRANSMITTER: Do you intend running an Academy in the state?

ADI: You need to be there to run an academy and I am not here. However, I always find time to interact with the football stars in the state and advice where necessary. Today I was with the Dream Academy and I told them how good it has being their efforts. But to officially engage to help develop sports in the state is something which needs to be done formally. I am not the first person discussing Benue sports. Many guys with obviously better ideas have discussed it earlier and I won’t be the last.

THE TRANSMITTER: Let’s go personal with you here. You certainly are not going to play football to eternity. Have you taken time to develop yourself?

ADI: For me, I am done with my first Degree in Computer Sciences. I am also planning for a Master’s Degree. The school abroad is already demanding for my Transcript. I have passion for sports management and it with same passion I do approach issues of sports in the state. Where I play is a foreign country. I might get a job there after my playing time but my mind is always at home to develop sports. I wouldn’t want to be an academy coach. I would rather issue instructions and supervise obedience for good results. All it takes is just one man who is willing to do the right thing.

THE TRANSMITTER: Apart from football, international players are found deeply involved in developing the infrastructures of their communities in areas of health roads, schools and so many other things. Are you considering such or you have already done any of these for your community?

ADI: It was always my dream of playing football and I prayed for this idea. I made a promise that as soon as the dream is fulfilled, I will build a place of worship for my community and I have fulfilled that promise. Every year I visit orphanage homes, and of course, this year would not be an exception. These visits come when I visited TIVID ORPHANAGE. I was informed of a bad roof and I gave them Five Hundred Thousand Naira which was needed. I choose children homes because I believe they don’t have what it takes yet to get for them. I am very critical person. I told kids at some academy to sleep and think critically about the decision they have taken to play football. If really they are not ready for the game it is high time they quitted and pursue education. Help is what I like giving because myself I am where I am because others helped me.

THE TRANSMITTER: Can you tell us about your family life?

ADI: Yeah! I am married; a father of two kids. I got a kid from a white lady and the other with my wife. She is from Benue state. We dated for two weeks and got married. We stuck together and got things running. We are married but still dating.  We are getting to know each other every day. She is out there with me in the USA.

THE TRANSMITTER: Do you have time to socialize out there aside the football business?

ADI: I have a basketball court and I like badminton. I love staying indoors. Obviously, I don’t do a lot when I am out there because there I have to train, pick my daughter at the Day Care. I love reading.

THE TRANSMITTER: These few times with you show that you are a spiritual person. Does this correspond with who you really are?

ADI:  I am a spiritual person but also a realist. I have a strong religious background. I grew up in a strong NKST home. I believe in prayers and actions. When the two failed to meet, it is practically a waste of time.

THE TRANSMITTER: Your words to young talents?

ADI: The summary of it hinges on discipline. Discipline is multifaceted. As people we need a   cultural reorientation. The Benue youth are very energetic; a good quality for any athlete but indiscipline sits right in front and this has always been the problem. We need to redirect our minds towards discipline.

 

Personal information
Date of birth	10 October 1990 (age 29)
Place of birth	Lagos, Nigeria
Height	1.93 m (6 ft 4 in)
Playing position	Forward
Club information
Current team	FC Cincinnati
Number	9
Youth career
	Lagos Islanders
	Union Bank
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2009–2011	Trenčín	42	(18)
2011	Metalurh Donetsk	9	(1)
2011	→ Dynamo Kyiv (loan)	3	(0)
2011–2012	Tavriya Simferopol	9	(1)
2012–2013	Trenčín	19	(10)
2013–2014	Copenhagen	9	(3)
2014	→ Portland Timbers (loan)	6	(4)
2014–2018	Portland Timbers	120	(50)
2018–	FC Cincinnati	12	(1)
2018	→ FC Cincinnati (loan)	9	(3)
National team‡
2011	Nigeria U23	2	(0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 2 October 2019 ‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 2 December 2014

Club career

Europe

Following his transfer from AS Trencin, Adi scored a goal in his F.C. Copenhagen debut against FC Vestsjælland on 25 August, despite not having his work and residency permit.

In January 2011, Adi, then 20 years old, was invited for a trial by Ajax for the second time

Portland Timbers

Adi with Portland Timbers in 2016

On 13 May 2014, Adi went on loan with the option to buy to Portland Timbers of Major League Soccer. He made his debut coming on as a substitute against Columbus Crew and got the game tying assist, a feat which earned him a start in the following match In his first start for the club, on 28 May 2014 against Chivas USA, Adi scored his first and second goals for the club. On 7 June he received his second start and scored two goals in the first half against Real Salt Lake.

Adi was signed permanently by the Portland Timbers on 23 June 2014. He became the club’s fourth ever Designated Player.On 8 April 2017, after scoring a penalty kick against the Philadelphia Union, Adi became the Timbers’ all-time leading goalscorer, with 46 goals.

FC Cincinnati

Adi was traded from Portland Timbers to MLS expansion side FC Cincinnati on 30 July 2018 for a deal worth up to $1,000,000 in allocation money. He played the remainder of the 2018 season with FC Cincinnati in the United Soccer League ahead of the club’s move up to Major League Soccer.

Adi started in the first three matches of FC Cincinnati’s inaugural MLS season. However, in the third match on 17 March (Cincinnati’s home opener against Portland Timbers), he was injured after a collision with Larrys Mabiala late in the first half, and was subbed out at halftime. He remained on the bench with a left ankle injury the next two matches.

At approximately 3:45am on 31 March 2019, Adi was pulled over by the Ohio State Highway Patrol and cited for operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol (OVI), speeding, and not possessing a valid driver’s license. According to the police, Adi was driving 102 mph in a 65 mph zone, showed a blood alcohol content of 0.124 in a breathalyzer test, and possessed only a Ukrainian driver’s license. Adi was suspended by FC Cincinnati and entered MLS’ Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health program.

Adi was cleared from suspension on 24 April and began practicing with the team the following day; however, his minutes remained limited as his ankle was still recovering. He made his first appearance since the injury in the final 11 minutes of a San Jose Earthquakes match on 4 May. He played another 26 minutes as a substitute in the following two matches. On 25 May, Adi started for the first time since 17 March and played a full 90 minutes.

Adi scored his first goal of 2019 in a U.S. Open Cup match against Louisville City FC on 12 June.^[12] He scored his first goal in the 2019 MLS season on July 13 against the Chicago Fire. It gave FC Cincinnati the lead and victory, 2–1.

International career

Adi was called up to Nigeria’s U23 team twice in 2011. He was also called up to the senior Nigeria squad to face Egypt in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in March 2016 but did not play.

Honours

Portland Timbers

• MLS Cup: 2015
• Western Conference championship (in playoffs): 2015

FC Cincinnati

• USL regular season: 2018