Former U-23 skipper urges players to be dedicated and disciplined

Ex-international, Adebowale Ogungbure, has urged up-coming Nigerian players both home and abroad to be disciplined and dedicated for them to go far in their career and contribute positively to the growth of football in the country.

The former Julius Berger Football Club Lagos and national Under-23 player said a disciplined players will always adopt to any situation they find themselves in the team and the coaches like to work with them to achieve their aims and objectives.

“Discipline is always a trade mark of every successful player.Both physically and mentally they should be able to lead by example. When I was playing, as a skipper, I used to give 100 per cent if others in the team were given 60 to 70 per cent,” he said.

Ogungbure who spent most of his professional career in Germany when he played in Bundesliga with 1. FC Nürnberg.

He is always remembered for his campaign against racism in Germany. During a match in March 25,2006 between FC Sachsen Leipzig and Hallescher FC,

Ogungbure was the subject of monkey noises from Hallescher FC Fans. In retaliation, he placed two fingers above his mouth and saluted at the crowd – a reference to Adolf Hitler.

First, Ogungbure was accused and reported by German police, as it is illegal to make Nazi gestures for political or abusive purposes, but criminal proceedings were dropped 24 hours later.

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The team and especially a group of the supporters of FC Sachsen came up with a campaign to show their solidarity with Ogungbure. The fans’ campaign “Wir sind Ade” (We are Ade-bowale) managed to raise attention for Ogungbure’s situation and against racism in Germany. The initiative still exists as “Bunte Kurve” (colourful fan stand).