14th September, 2011
 Former Gabros FC of Nnewi and Dragon FC of Benin Republic striker, Kolawole Odunbaku, currently playing for Comet FC, Lagos, bared his mind with Olusegun Abidoye on Nigerian football and his career
How do you rate Nigerian League?
Nigerian league is not as bad as people described it. This is the league that has produced so many established stars for the nation and top clubs in Europe. It is a stepping stone for players to establish themselves.
Why are Nigerian players desperate to play abroad?
It would afford the players the opportunity to play at the top of the game, where the facilities are up to standard. You will be taught the rudiments of football in a conducive environment and your financial status would be positively affected.
Does Gabros FC have any chance of playing in the Nigeria Premier League next season?
I cannot say much about their chances now because it has been more than two seasons that I left the club. I only wish them best of luck to be in top flight next season.
Since you left the club, what have you been doing?
I keep myself fit by training with Commet FC in Lagos. I hope to get a big offer from interested clubs either at home or abroad. But I need to take my time and put certain things into consideration before signing a deal.
Why have you not been invited to play for any of the nation’s age grade teams?
It is not that I have never been invited to the national teams. I was in camp in 2008 with coach Samson Siasia as the coach of the Flying Eagles during the preparation for the World Youth Championship in Egypt, but was later dropped from the squad.
Why did they drop you and how would you describe Siasia?
Coach Siasia is a very strict, responsible and discipline coach. Siasia was not around when we were told to leave the camp without any reason. He was in America. It was coach Salisu Yusuf and Coach Hassan that briefed us about the development.
What is your aspiration?
I want to play at the club and international level . My priority is to play for the Super Eagles of Nigeria and win laurels for the nation.
Can you tell us your dream club and would you be able to cope if your dream comes true?
My dream club is Chelsea Football Club of London. And I think I would cope through determination and commitment to the club. After all, I was invited to Gabros FC at a tender age and I made the team. It was the same when I went for trial with Dragon FC in Benin Republic.What I need is determination and commitment.
What is the most memorable moment in your football career?
I cannot point to one event alone because there are many memorable moments in my career. The first one was when I played in CAF Champions League with Dragon FC. Another one was when I was crowned the highest goal scorer in Benin Championant in 2007/2008 League season.