"Cooking before games is therapeutic for me" - Boluwatife Akinyode shares his football success story

Boluwatife Akinyode, born on May 30, 1994, is a Nigerian football professional known for his exceptional skills as a defensive midfielder. 

He currently represents Miami FC in the USL Championship, where he brings his talent and love for the sport to the field.

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Akinyode embarked on a journey to the United States, where he found a home in the renowned New York Red Bulls Academy. 

During his time there, he not only showcased his exceptional abilities but also demonstrated strong leadership qualities as the captain of the U-16 Academy team. 

He continued to thrive, earning spots in the under-18 and under-23 squads. From 2011 to 2014, Akinyode also made significant contributions to Seton Hall University's soccer program, playing as a holding midfielder. 

Throughout his college career, he participated in 63 matches, scoring 5 goals, and assisting 4 times.

Akinyode's skills didn't go unnoticed, and on January 30, 2017, he signed with North Carolina FC, showcasing his potential at a higher level.

In 2018, Akinyode made a move to Nashville SC, a respected team in the USL, signing with them on January 4.

On December 17, 2019, Akinyode joined Birmingham Legion FC, adding his abilities to their roster and becoming a valuable asset to the team.

Most recently, on January 15, 2021, Akinyode made a significant move to Miami FC, a prestigious USL Championship side, where he continues to contribute to the team's success with his dedication and skills.

In an exclusive interview with Africa Sport Network (ASN), Akinyode shared his experiences, being a black footballer in the diaspora, how he has reached his current height, and his intentional efforts towards greater prospects. 

When asked how he started his football career, Akinyode spoke of his humble beginnings on the streets of Lagos, adding that he was inspired by his older brother.

"I started my footballing career just like any child on the streets of Lagos. Running around barefoot, kicking the ball and dreaming of being a professional one day. 

"From there, we moved to the US and after a couple of years I joined a team called Brooklyn Patriots. Then I went on trial with the New York Red Bulls academy and made the team. I played there until I went to Seton Hall University. 

"I played football there and studied for 4 years. After I graduated with my Bachelors degree. I signed my first professional contract with New York Red Bulls in 2015.

"My inspiration is my older brother; I started playing football because of him. He taught me everything I know and helped grow the passion of the game inside me."

In another development, Boluwatife Akinyode shed light on the motivations behind his decision to pursue a football career abroad and shared his perspective on the privileges he enjoys as a black man in the diaspora.

"My father passed away when I was 2 years old in 1996. A big dream of his was to have me and my siblings go to school abroad. After his death, my mum made sure she helped fulfill his dream. That's what made me pursue a career in the US.

"Fortunately, I haven't faced any challenges being a Nigerian player abroad. If anything, being Nigerian has helped me because players like Okocha, Kanu, Yakubu, Martins have all given us a good reputation around the world."

When it comes to balancing his demanding football career with his personal life, Boluwatife Akinyode openly acknowledged that it is not an easy task. 

The rigorous training schedules, travel commitments, and the overall intensity of professional football can often consume a significant portion of his time and energy. 

However, he firmly believes in the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, particularly when it comes to nurturing his relationships with his loved ones.

Akinyode emphasized that he makes intentional efforts to prioritize quality time with his family. Despite the demanding nature of his profession, he understands the significance of being present and actively participating in the lives of his loved ones. 

"That is always the toughest aspect because the season is so long, physically demanding and requires a lot of travel. During the season, I sacrifice most of my personal life. 

"Whenever I do get the chance, I try to socialize with friends, and all that good stuff. During the off season I go visit family and spend as much time with them as possible."

Akinyode also went on to share memorable moments in his football career, which he is particularly proud of.

"The first was making my professional debut. It had been a long hard road to get there, and to finally play with my family's name on the back of my jersey was special.

"Next was in 2015, when we beat Chelsea 4-2 in the ICC tournament. That was very special as I got to play against some of my idols. The likes of John Obi Mikel and Victor Moses played in that game.

"Another was just recently. Last Saturday, I planned a trip for my mother and my siblings to come and watch me play. That was a special moment, because my mother had never seen me play professionally before. It meant the world to me," he said.

As Boluwatife Akinyode reflected on his career abroad, he enthusiastically discussed the remarkable opportunities that his international journey has afforded him. 

Embracing football in foreign lands has opened doors to a world of experiences, personal growth, and cultural enrichment.

One of the notable opportunities Akinyode highlighted was the chance to immerse himself in diverse football cultures. 

By venturing outside his home country of Nigeria, he has had the privilege of training and competing alongside talented individuals from various backgrounds. 

This exposure has broadened his perspective, deepened his understanding of different playing styles, and enriched his own skill set. 

Interacting with teammates and coaches from diverse nationalities has fostered a sense of camaraderie, creating a global network of friendships that extend beyond the boundaries of the pitch.

Akinyode also expressed gratitude for the access to top-notch training facilities and professional coaching that his career abroad has provided. 

These resources have played a pivotal role in honing his skills and elevating his performance as a player. 

The expertise and guidance received from experienced coaches have contributed to his tactical awareness, technical proficiency, and overall growth as a footballer. 

He further revealed that he is also working towards completing his MBA.

"Well, prior to going professional, I was able to go to university on an athletic scholarship because of football. So that was a massive opportunity as university is not cheap.

"As a professional, it has just given me the opportunity to meet so many different people and connect with them," he said.

When asked about his game preparation routine, Boluwatife Akinyode eagerly shared his unique approach, which involves both cooking and indulging in the tradition of consuming kolanut. 

Akinyode's enthusiasm shone through as he explained the significance of these rituals in his pre-game preparations.

For Akinyode, cooking has become an integral part of his game day routine. He finds solace and relaxation in the kitchen, where he can channel his creativity and nurture his body and mind before stepping onto the field. 

Engaging in the process of preparing his own meals allows him to have control over the nutritional aspects of his diet, ensuring that he fuels himself with the right balance of nutrients for optimal performance. 

By carefully selecting ingredients, experimenting with flavors, and crafting his own meals, he feels a deep sense of satisfaction and connection to his body's needs.

In addition to his cooking routine, Akinyode cherishes the tradition of consuming kolanut as part of his pre-game preparations. 

Kolanut holds cultural significance in many parts of West Africa, including Nigeria, where it is often used in rituals and ceremonies. 

For Akinyode, it serves as a symbol of connection to his roots and acts as a source of energy and focus. 

The act of chewing kolanut before a game has become a ritual that he deeply values, instilling a sense of tradition and grounding him in his heritage as he mentally prepares for the upcoming match.

"Game day, I sleep a good amount to make sure I'm well rested. Cook my meal before the game, drink lots of water and I eat one kolanut. That's been my routine for a while and it's the best.

"My mum always ate it [kolanut] since I was a kid. I don't like drinking coffee, kolanut is actually really good for the body and has good amount of caffeine in it which is good before competition.

"It's therapeutic for me to cook my own meals. I play music while cooking and it gets me in a good mood," the midfielder revealed.

Akinyode was asked what his long term goals were, and here's what he had to say: "To win a championship first and foremost. Next is to keep getting better each day as a player. Never stop enjoying the fact that I get to live my dream day in and day out.

"Well, my long term goal is to eventually move back to Nigeria. I want to build some fields where kids can train and develop. I also want to be a bridge between kids in Nigeria that play football and abroad, as they can potentially get a scholarship to attend university in the States.

In a more relaxed ambience, Akinyode joyfully described an unexpected gift he got from a fan.

"I received a digital drawing of me from a fan on Instagram. The kid was in Brazil, so it was very unexpected."

Speaking about his dream vacation, the footballer said it has been his dream to go to Manchester.

"Manchester, England; to go to old Trafford and watch Manchester United play live. That's been my dream since I was a kid," he said.

Boluwatife Akinyode also proved himself to be a multi-talented person, by unveiling a fact about himself which many of his fans will probably not know. 

He said: "Fun fact is I actually like to write. A goal of mine at some point would be to write a book."

On a final note, Akinyode gives a piece of advice to Nigerian players who intend to expand their career, especially in the diaspora.

"The first is to believe in yourself. Don't let anyone tell you what you can or can't achieve. The next is to work hard, no matter how hard you are working, you can always work harder. If you believe in yourself and put in the work to match it, anything is possible," Akinyode said.

The journey of Boluwatife Akinyode, the Nigerian professional footballer, is one that embodies passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. 

From his humble beginnings in Lagos, Nigeria, to his ventures abroad, Akinyode's career has been marked by remarkable achievements, cultural enrichment, and a commitment to both personal and professional growth.

Throughout his career, Akinyode has seized numerous opportunities that his international journey has presented. 

Embracing diverse football cultures, accessing top-tier training facilities, competing in renowned leagues, and experiencing personal growth through cultural immersion have all contributed to his development as a well-rounded individual. 

His story serves as a testament to the power of dedication and the rewards that come from venturing outside one's comfort zone.