Nigerian amateur footballer Oladipupo Osineye, known as Olagreat, recently opened up about his remarkable journey and aspirations after securing a trial opportunity with La Liga club Sevilla.
Olagreat garnered significant attention for his tweet about the Sevilla trial, stating, “I aimed to attract the interest of professional teams and showcase my abilities.” Following his initial post, Sevilla confirmed his trial participation through a video featuring another Nigerian player. He received direct communication detailing the next steps he must take as he awaits further developments.
When asked why he chose Sevilla, Olagreat explained that he frequently applies to various clubs, having previously attempted to join Cádiz for 25 days without feedback. His admiration for Sevilla, especially since they signed fellow Nigerian Chidera Ejuke, influenced his decision. “I am a big fan of Ejuke,” he said. “His style of play and the technical nature of Spanish football resonate with me.”
Reflecting on his football journey, Olagreat shared how his passion for the sport developed early, influenced by his father’s enthusiasm for football and his mother’s background in volleyball. He began his career with Diamond FC Academy in Lagos, later moving to Ondo State to play for Bright FC during his studies. Olagreat’s commitment saw him excel academically while winning several titles on the field.
After completing his Computer Science degree at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Olagreat stayed in Akure briefly before returning to Lagos to pursue his football career. He joined G Innovation FC, where he honed his skills, and subsequently played for multiple teams, including Super Stars FC in the Lagos Liga.
Despite the financial challenges of being an amateur footballer, Olagreat noted that competitions occasionally offer monetary rewards. He emphasized the importance of family support alongside his football pursuits, stating that “most times, help comes from family and friends” to supplement his income.
Participating in the 2024 Lagos Liga proved to be a significant turning point for Olagreat, allowing him to showcase his talents in a more recognized environment. He received compensation for his participation, highlighting how the structure and support from his team owner, Seye Dele, fostered a conducive atmosphere for growth.
Looking ahead, Olagreat remains focused on making the most of his trial opportunity with Sevilla. He is committed to training rigorously, understanding that this trial could pave the way for a professional football career. “I know a lot can happen during trials, and I’m ready to give my all,” he stated, expressing excitement about meeting Nigerian players already at the club.
Regardless of the outcome, Olagreat views this experience as a crucial step in his development, knowing that resilience is essential for progressing in the competitive world of football. He remains hopeful that this trial will lead to future opportunities and emphasizes his continued willingness to persevere despite past rejections from Nigerian clubs. “No matter how many times I hear ‘no,’ I will keep pushing until I get a ‘yes,'” he remarked.
As for his future beyond football, Olagreat expressed a desire to remain connected to the sport, either as a coach or in administrative roles. “A career path after playing football will most definitely be in football,” he concluded.
