Nigerian actor, producer, director and former President, Directors Guild of Nigeria, Fred Amata, in this interview with JOHNNY EDWARD, bares it all about his sports life growing up in Warri
What was your sports life like growing up?
I used to be called a sportsman because I practically knew how to play most of these games. I started with football at an early age and I still do play with the Lagos All Stars team even if my bones are getting weaker by the day. I also played basketball, volleyball, scrabble and chess. But it was football that came naturally for me. I was a real No.9 back then and I still play that position well, even former Super Eagles striker Victor Agali and the former Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, can attest to this.
So, what kind of a striker were you back then?
You could liken me to a Johan Cruyff. I never had the power packed shots and strength of the late Rashidi Yekini but I was a skillful striker who could score goals and I still do with the Lagos All Stars. Even Agali is aware that if I play anywhere else in attack, I will not perform but playing as the main striker and getting good supplies, I will always score goals.
Did your father stop you from playing football?
My father did one of the first films in Nigeria titled ‘Freedom’ in 1957. While he was the principal of Hussey College, Warri, he broke his leg while playing with his student. That was how far my parents encouraged us all to go into sports, but I had to make some choices, which I’m proud of as well.
So, why didn’t you turn pro?
I had to differentiate between sports and recreation. I grew up in Warri, Delta State where everything from sports, entertainment, business and all was booming at that time. So, I had to decide on which sector I had to delve into. And I chose entertainment because of my heritage. Of course, I love sports but it was an easy decision to join. My elder brother, may God rest his soul, taught me how to play scrabble. I got addicted to playing scrabble as well and for the past three decades I have been playing it. A friend of mine invited me to play in a scrabble tournament in Lagos, the PANASA scrabble event, and it was at that event I knew all my internet skills in scrabble were not at the level of these professionals. They cleared my eyes to the reality of the game. I was thoroughly beaten by some players who were not even in the E-list categories in Nigeria. In 21 games, I won only five. I don’t go close to the likes of Wellington Jighere, Enoch Nwali or Samuel Anikoh. They are the big players in the game.
The Super Eagles have been drawn against hosts Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau in Group A of next year’s AFCON. How do you fancy the Eagles chances of winning it for a fourth time?
I don’t know what it is with our team, honestly. Nigeria always produces exceptional players and this time we have in our ranks some of the best strikers in the world at the moment. The team currently has a good balance and depth heading into the AFCON and I think with some more time they will be more formidable. I think it is a fair group, one that Nigeria can qualify from as long as they do not underrate their opponents, but playing Ivory Cast will be a bit tricky. I believe we have a great bunch of players that can go all the way to win the AFCON title in Ivory Coast and I pray nothing happens to Victor Osimhen and Taiwo Awoniyi. They are very good players that will give Nigeria the edge at the tournament. Osimhen missed the last AFCON and we missed his presence in the team. So, fully fit and committed Eagles will win the AFCON in 2024. But I hate the fact that we always bow down to the idea of a foreign coach leading our teams. I feel at this point Africa should shelve that idea that a foreign coach is better than an indigenous coach. Even in all spheres of life Nigerians are far ahead and better. We don’t see ourselves as the best in our fields and the Nigerian Football Federation must change that mentality. Go to America for instance, in academics, medical practice and other areas, Nigerians are blazing the trail there, so, we should encourage our own and ensure that they serve their fatherland. It speaks of the intelligence of who we are. If the Eagles don’t win this tournament next year I won’t be happy with them.
If you were to be a coach, who would you rather have in your team, Lionel Messi or Crisitiano Ronaldo?
I would prefer Messi in my team because I’m an Arsenal fan. Ronaldo cost my team so much pain while he was playing for Manchester United. So, for that he will not make my team. He’s a great player no doubt but everybody loves Messi.
Osimhen made the final 12-man shortlist for the FIFA Best Player Award but he faces a tough challenge from Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi and others. What do you think are his chances?
Since the award is down to voting and Messi is one of the nominees, it’s going to be very tough for him (Osimhen) to win it. Also, my belief personally, is that Haaland is genetically a beast. He is a natural goal scorer too but I feel Osimhen made a great impact at Napoli in the last one year and deserves it. In short, he will win it.
What do you make of Osimhen’s TikTok video row with Napoli?
It was unnecessary and I believe he has overcome it. What Napoli did was a shame to football and humanity.
Talking about Arsenal, do you think they stand a good chance of winning the EPL this season?
Of course they can if they can sustain the tempo. There is that belief around the team that they can achieve that dream this year.
Arsenal must ensure they win against the big teams contending for the title and I feel they must continue with that with another win against Chelsea.
