Popular Nigerian rapper, Michael Stephens, aka Ruggedman, talks about his love for football, Super Eagles, Manchester United, Victor Osimhen, and more, in this interview with PETER AKINBO
Growing up, what sport did you enjoy?
Growing up, like most young kids across Nigeria, I enjoyed and still enjoy football. I love playing football. I also represented my secondary school in a relay race once but it obviously was not my calling.
Did your parents ever discourage you from pursuing a career in sports?
They did not need to discourage me because I did not take up any sport as a career.
Were you passionate about football growing up?
I was and I still am very passionate about football. I grew up reading football comic books like Roy Of The Rovers. I became a football lover in the early 1980s from watching “Big League Soccer.”
What led you to music?
From a very young age, I just loved music. Growing up, I was more into music shows on TV like Top of The Pops, Soul Train and Kessingsheen Hit Show.
Are you a fan of the Super Eagles?
Absolutely, yes.
Do you think that Nigeria can win the AFCON?
As a Nigerian, yes I think they can win it but realistically and with the way we seem to have lost a couple of warm-up matches towards the competition, coupled with the history of politics being played in players selection, I do not see us winning it. I hope we do, but we all know games are not won by hoping.
Who do you think is the best African player of all time?
I know some will argue that I might be choosing him because he is Nigerian. Some will say he did not win much during his time playing, but I choose Jay Jay Okocha any time, any day. To me, he is the most naturally skilled footballer I have ever seen.
In the Eagles squad, who is your favourite player?
My friend, Victor Osimhen. Not just because we are friends, but his stats speak for him. He has achieved a lot as a footballer, broke our jinx and won the African Best Player award, which Okocha didn’t even win, and what he did last season in the Serie A is phenomenal.
Do you think male and female national teams should earn the same?
I believe they should be paid their value.
What club do you support?
I support Manchester United and the Abia Warriors.
Who is your favourite player at Manchester United?
At the moment it’s Kobi Mainoo. For his young age, he plays with more composure and intelligence than his older teammates.
What do you think of United’s season so far?
Terrible. A lot of the players seem to have given up and just want to keep collecting fat paychecks. Take (Anthony) Martial for example. He recently rejected a loan move with the excuse that he wanted to fight for his spot. A spot he has done nothing good from for years.
What do you think needs to be done to get United back to their previous level of dominance?
A lot of the weak, unproductive players need to be moved out, especially the ones on very high wages. They are not contributing anything to justify the money they are being paid. Players like Martial, (Harry) Maguire, Scott (McTominay), and (Diogo) Dalot need to go. Unfortunately, (Marcus) Rashford seems to have burnt out and only plays selfish football, always trying to shoot and score even when it is obvious he cannot. He needs to go too. Then Bruno (Fernandes) needs to go too. He loses the ball too many times, makes too many unsuccessful passes, then runs all over the pitch confusing his teammates and getting in the way. United needs fresh, young and hungry players.
If you could spend a day with any sportsperson, who would it be?
Cristiano Ronaldo.
Who do you think is the Greatest Footballer of all Time?
That is a tough question, but if I were to pick one I would take Pele.
If any of your children show an interest in sports, would you encourage them?
Of course yes, it is the right thing to
do.
