"Talent is not enough to take you anywhere" - Samuel Atavti shares inspiring football journey

Samuel Atavti, a promising Nigerian right-back, has been making a name for himself in the football world with his impressive performances for Etoile Sportive Metlaoui. 

Born on August 9, 1999, in Gboko, Benue State, Nigeria, Atavti is currently 23 years old and holds Nigerian citizenship.

Standing at a height of 1.76 meters, Atavti excels in the right-back position, where he showcases his defensive skills, attacking prowess, and ability to contribute to his team's overall gameplay. 

His speed, agility, and strong tackling make him a formidable presence on the field.

Atavti's professional journey has seen him play for several clubs, gaining valuable experience and showcasing his talent along the way. 

He joined Etoile Sportive Metlaoui on January 17, 2023, for the 2022/2023 season. Prior to that, he had a stint without a club.

Before his time at ES Metlaoui, Atavti spent a significant period of his career at Esperance, one of Tunisia's top clubs. 

He made his debut for Esperance during the 2018/2019 season, transferring from Stade Gabèsien. 

His performances caught the attention of the coaching staff, and he quickly became a key player in their squad.

During the 2021/2022 season, Atavti was on loan at ES Metlaoui from Esperance. 

This loan spell provided him with valuable playing time and allowed him to further showcase his abilities. 

His impressive performances earned him a permanent move to ES Metlaoui for the following season.

As a player with great potential, Atavti's market value has been steadily increasing. Currently valued at €275k, he has already proven himself as a valuable asset to his team. 

His versatility and skills on the field make him an attractive prospect for clubs seeking to strengthen their defensive line.

While Atavti's club career has been the focus of his development, he has also represented Nigeria at the U23 level. 

This international experience has helped him gain exposure and further refine his skills on a larger stage.

In an exclusive interview with Africa Sport Network (ASN), Atavti revealed other intricate areas of his football career; how he got started, the challenges he has faced so far, how he has dealt with them, and his goals as a footballer.

When asked how he started his career, Atavti noted that it was as far back as when he was in secondary school. 

He played in amateur leagues, such as the Vemard Africa FC of Enugu in 2016, where he started off, training and getting himself acquainted with the sport.

In 2018, Samuel Atavti's football journey took an unexpected turn when a philanthropist and football enthusiast in his hometown, Moses Okoma, organized a local competition. 

This event proved to be a life-changing opportunity for Atavti, as he was fortunate enough to catch the eye of the organizers and secure a place in the team.

Being selected to participate in the competition was a dream come true for the aspiring right-back. It was a chance for him to showcase his skills and prove his worth on the field. 

Atavti was determined to seize this opportunity and give his all, knowing that it could potentially open doors to new opportunities in his football career.

With unwavering dedication and passion for the sport, Atavti made the most of this chance. 

His performances during the competition were exceptional, drawing attention from spectators, coaches, and his fellow teammates. 

His agility, defensive prowess, and ability to contribute to the team's overall gameplay caught the eye of the philanthropist, Moses Orkuma, who recognized Atavti's potential and talent.

Impressed by Atavti's skills, Moses Orkuma took a keen interest in the young right-back's development. 

He provided guidance, support, and encouragement, recognizing the importance of nurturing local talent. 

Okoma believed in Atavti's abilities and saw the potential for him to go far in the world of football.

"The captain of the team said he needed someone in my own position. That was how I joined Okoma's Tunisian team and became a professional," he said.

He added that he is his greatest motivation. For Samuel Atavti, his greatest motivation in pursuing a successful football career lies within himself. 

He firmly believes that self-motivation is a fundamental factor in achieving greatness and pushing oneself to reach new heights. 

Atavti's unwavering determination and inner drive serve as constant sources of inspiration that fuel his ambition and propel him forward.

Being self-motivated means that Atavti doesn't rely solely on external factors or validation to push himself. Instead, he understands the importance of setting personal goals and constantly striving to surpass them. 

He sets high standards for himself, both on and off the field, and remains focused on continuous self-improvement.

However, while Samuel Atavti acknowledged that his greatest motivation comes from within, he also revealed that his role model in the world of football is none other than the legendary Brazilian right-back Cafu, whose full name is Marcos Evangelista de Morais.

"Amongst a few, Cafu is my most notable role model. I look up to him a great deal. Infact, my agent has nicknamed me the 'Cafu of Nigeria', because I believe I play like him and imbibe some of his values."

Atavti was also probed about the challenges he has faced so far, as a Nigerian player in the diaspora. He talked about the in-house strife that existed when he played for Esperance, and how it affected him, alongside other players in the club.

"There were so many battles in the management of the club. This strife among the board of directors was a challenge for me and my fellow teammates. I was also tasked to perform beyond my comfortable capacity. So this stretched me too, to put in my best," Atavti said.

When asked about the opportunities he has encountered as a player in the diaspora, Samuel Atavti highlighted the significant experiences he gained during his time at Esperance. 

Playing for the esteemed Tunisian club opened doors for him, including the chance to represent his country at the U-23 National Olympics team. 

This recognition and call-up demonstrated the impact of his performances at the club level and provided him with a platform to showcase his skills on an international stage.

Atavti mentioned another noteworthy opportunity he had while playing for Stade Gabèsien. During this time, he had the privilege of competing against Sparks, one of Tunisia's renowned and prestigious football clubs. 

This encounter not only served as a valuable learning experience but also allowed him to measure his abilities against top-tier opposition. 

It was a moment that highlighted the progress he had made as a player and provided him with further motivation to continue striving for excellence.

When asked about how he maintained his Nigerian identity amidst his experiences abroad, Atavti responded with a thoughtful and intriguing perspective, highlighting the deep-rooted nature of his Nigerian heritage, the pride he carries in representing his country, his active engagement with Nigerian culture, and his unwavering commitment to staying connected to his roots as an ambassador for Nigeria, emphasizing that his Nigerian identity is an integral part of his personal growth, inspiring him to contribute positively to the Nigerian football community while venturing into new territories.

"Anywhere I go, I introduce myself as a proud Nigerian. Whenever I am speaking on phone with my people in Nigeria, I always speak my indigenous Tiv langauge, without apology.

"I can't forget where I come from, so I intentionally make it obvious. Sometimes, I even randomely speak my language to no one in particular, and when my Tunisian teammates and friends hear me, they ask what I mean, and this gives me joy, knowing that I am promoting my culture."

Speaking from a place of concern, Samuel Atavti expressed his observations regarding a common stereotype often associated with footballers—a notion that they frequently engage in behaviors such as excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and womanizing. 

However, Atavti was quick to refute this stereotype, emphasizing that it is far from the truth and that many players, including himself, do not indulge in such habits. 

He emphasized the importance of dispelling these misconceptions and showcasing the professionalism and dedication that define the lives of numerous footballers, who prioritize their physical and mental well-being, discipline, and commitment to their craft. 

Atavti's remarks shed light on the need to challenge stereotypes and recognize the diverse range of individuals within the football community, who exemplify values such as discipline, hard work, and a focus on achieving their goals without succumbing to harmful behaviors often associated with these unfounded stereotypes.

"These are things people choose to do. Not everyone is involved in it. Since I do not do all of these, I am always ready for a match. If I am called up right now for a game, I just need to ready my mind, and off I go, as long as I don't have any injury," he said confidently. 

When asked his match preparation ritual, Atavti had something interesting to say:

"Apart from the general training with my team members, I personally train further, and before any game, I always have banana and ice-cream. This works like magic for me, as it boosts my energy."

Speaking on his relationship, Atavti revealed that he was recently served "breakfast", as his long-time girlfriend broke up with him. He further revealed that this affected him initially, but he has quickly moved on, added to the fact that he is surrounded by good people. 

"The break-up happened about a month ago, but I have moved on. I have also been surrounded by friends and family, because I am currently in Nigeria on holiday."

When asked his top three players, he mentioned Moses Orkuma, Anis Badri of Tunisia and Kwame Bonsu of Ghana.

On a final note, Samuel Atavti offered valuable advice to aspiring players, emphasizing the significance of hard work and highlighting the fact that talent alone is never enough to succeed in the world of football. 

Drawing from his own experiences and observations, Atavti recognized that while natural talent can provide a solid foundation, it is the relentless dedication, perseverance, and unwavering work ethic that ultimately separate the exceptional players from the rest. 

He encouraged aspiring players to cultivate a mindset of continuous improvement, to constantly seek ways to enhance their skills, and to embrace the challenges and setbacks that are an inevitable part of the journey. 

Atavti stressed that success is the result of consistent effort, discipline, and a willingness to go the extra mile, urging young players to never underestimate the value of hard work in realizing their dreams. 

"Talent is not enough to take you anywhere. You need hardwork, discipline and humility. Stay away from alcohol and don't womanize. 

"When I first started, I trained continously, and some of my mates will tell me I do too much. I don't consider myself better than any of them, talent-wise, but because I trained myself rigorously, I have a better platform today."

As Samuel Atavti continues to progress in his career, his dedication and hard work are evident. 

With his impressive performances for Etoile Sportive Metlaoui, he has caught the attention of fans and scouts alike. 

As he matures as a player, it is expected that he will attract even more attention from clubs in Nigeria and beyond. 

With his determination and talent, the future looks bright for this young Nigerian right-back.