I remember one of my friend back in the day when we used to played grassroots football together in OJO area. He was so good that a lot of clubs wanted to sign him.
He later when to a team in Norway and it was around the same time when I was in Sweden and I could see him on tv going very well that even clubs like Fc Copenhagen wanted to Sign him.
He was far better than me in any level on the pitch but his attitude cost him what could be a great career.
Around 2010 he was making a good name for himself and big clubs are looking to sign him. I remember talking to him and pleading with him that he needs to get his head straight and take this opportunity.
One day I received a call and it was during the season he called that he's back to Nigeria and I was shocked, so I asked what happen and why are you in Nigeria, he said him and the coach had a misunderstanding and he couldn't handle whatever that was said to him so he left.
My friend has been in Nigeria since then and he tried his lucky in the NPFL few time but his biggest problem was he attitude and that cost him dearly.
Each time I see him during our Saturday morning set when I'm on holiday break in Nigeria, I could see a lot of sadness in his eyes and I'm sure if he was given a second chance he would do things differently but it's too late now.
As a young footballer who just started playing Pro Football in Europe or anywhere in the world, the most important things outside your talent is your attitude towards the game and your commitment to yourself.
Talent will get you the attention but your attitude will keep you on top for a long time and it's non negotiable.
Your attitude to the game
You attitude to your teammates
Your attitude to your coaches
Your attitude to the kit man
Your attitude to the cleaner
Your attitude to club physios
You can be very talented with everything but if your attitude towards trainings, coaches, teammates, matches, and to yourself is not good, then you have a problem.
Attitude is the key because everything you do is surrounded with a positive attitude.