I’m happy to be in Nigerian football history – Obaje

Rangers striker Godwin Obaje talks about becoming only the third player to score 100 NPFL goals, the turning point of his career, his desire to play for Nigeria and more in this interview with PETER AKINBO

When you started your professional career, did you ever imagine that you would score 100 goals in the NPFL?

Before I started my professional career in the NPFL, I never imagined that I would score 100 goals. What was on my mind was just to keep working hard and score as many goals as possible. That was always my target; I did my best, and I am proud to have achieved this.

Before the Warri Wolves game, did you know you were one goal away from reaching 100 NPFL goals, and what was going through your mind when you stepped up to take the penalty?

Well, before the Warri Wolves game, I knew I was just one goal away from the 100-goal mark. Before I stepped up to take the penalty, what was on my mind was that this was the moment for me to create history. I told myself to take my time and make sure I made history that day. Thank God I was able to score, and we got the three points in that game.

At what point did you realise that you had actually reached the 100-goal mark, and how did you feel when it finally sank in?

The first time I realised I was almost reaching 100 goals in the league was last season, towards the end of it. I did not know initially, but when I saw the statistics showing that a certain number of goals remained, that motivated me a lot. That was when I put it at the back of my mind that I would try to reach that mark, but the main thing for me was to help Rangers win the league. So the 100 goals was not my major target; the major target was to win the league. I can say it fully sank in when I was holding the plaque in the next game after I achieved it. I feel very happy to have achieved this. It is something I have worked very hard for.

You have played for several NPFL clubs over the years. Which period of your career do you consider the most important in your journey to 100 goals, and why?

I have played for several clubs in the NPFL, and I think my major turning point was when I won my first league title with Rangers. I had already won the top scorer award in the league, so my main target was to win the league, and I thank God I was able to achieve it with Rangers International Football Club.

What have been the biggest challenges you have faced in maintaining your level and continuing to score consistently in the NPFL?

The biggest challenge I faced was trying to remain consistent as a striker, and I think what helped me is that I know how to face challenges. I am the type of person who is self-motivated no matter what. I feel that I can overcome it with God by my side, so I never give up. That is the type of person I am, so I believe I can score at any time.

You are now only the third player to reach 100 NPFL goals after Victor Ezeji and Rabiu Ali. What does it mean to you to have your name alongside theirs?

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I am really happy to be counted among these names in Nigerian football who have reached the 100-goal mark. I am happy to be in the history of Nigerian football among these legends. It is a memory and an achievement I will forever cherish.

Is there any particular goal among your 100 NPFL goals that stands out as the most memorable, and what makes it special?

All the goals I have scored are special to me because, in the NPFL, it is not easy. It is not easy at all because of the nature of the league. The league is very tough, considering that you are a striker and the top man in your team. So, each goal I score is memorable to me.

Having reached 100 goals, what is the next target for you personally, and is there a specific number you would still like to reach?

After reaching 100 goals, I do not want to set any specific target. I would just like to keep on scoring as much as possible. Let us see how it goes and how far I will reach.

You have represented Nigeria at CHAN level before. How much does the desire to play for the national team, either the Super Eagles or the CHAN squad, still mean to you?

It is the joy of every player to represent his country at any international tournament, so I am always ready to represent Nigeria whenever I am called upon. That will never be an issue for me. I am always set to represent my country, whether with the Super Eagles or the CHAN squad.

Looking back at your journey from your early days in the NPFL to becoming a 100-goal striker, what would you say has kept you going for so long?

What has kept me going in the NPFL for so long is attitude, discipline and being God-fearing. Discipline is the key, along with hard work. To be honest, I work very hard to score all the goals I have scored. It is not me; it is God by my side and my attitude that have been helping me.

How did you start your football career, and did you have your family’s support?

I started my football career at Moderate Stars Academy, which is owned by my elder brother, so the family has supported me very well. My elder brothers, Gabriel and Joshua, supported me a lot. When I started playing, Joshua used to buy me boots to encourage me. So when I started my career, I had full support from the family, and I am really grateful to them.