“Everybody is a captain in each of their positions” – Boluwatife Babalola, Highest Goal Scorer and Champion, 2024/2025 ABH League

At 10:26 AM, Ibadan Time, three things were certain; One, Oshin FC had played their final match of the season, a 4-1 drubbing of Blazers FC, and would not be league champions. Two, Skippo FC would finish 6th in the standings, an end to another poor season. Three, and most importantly, the Yellow Boys, Gladiator FC, were league champions, courtesy of an unbelievable 9:0 win. 

The man at the heart of it all, with 5 goals in the trophy-decider, was Boluwatife Babalola. In recognition of this, the UIMSA Press’ Muhammad Oluwatimilehin had a chat with him about the journey to the title, balancing leadership, and the role communication played on his journey. 

Congrats on the win, skipper. Can I get a brief introduction about yourself?

My name is Babalola Boluwatife, the Captain of Gladiators FC. 

First of all, you scored 5 goals today. How did it feel?

I feel very happy and elated, especially that it helped us to clinch the title. I’m also happy that the other 3 goals made it even more consequential.

What was your personal highlight of the season?

Today has to be the most important one, the five goals I scored today. There’s also our last match against Oshin. Though I didn’t score I was really happy with my performance as I was able to help the team in various positions to win the game.

How did you balance being a leader while also focusing on your own performance?

I believe action speaks louder than words. As long as you’re performing at a very high level as a leader your teammates see it as the standard and want to match it. Everybody is a captain in each of their positions. My teammates are very easy to lead and not problematic, enabling me to focus on my aspect of the game.

What message would you give to the team after this amazing achievement?

I’d like to appreciate everyone on the team as well as the coaching staff and supporters who have always been there for us even in down moments.

What role did communication play in keeping the team united and effective?

Communication is very important. Most of the time it’s not just about words. It’s passing information to the other person with his understanding. Sometimes we quarrelled with one another but we always knew all wanted the best for the team. Communication is very important especially in a team sport like this to win. 

If you had to choose one thing that defined your success this season, what would it be?

I think that’d be getting it right defensively after the first half of the season.

What did you learn about leadership during this league?

I learnt how important communication is, even as a leader the others are still my teammates and they deserve my respect.

Muhammad Oluwatimilehin