In the realm of Nigerian football, a rising star is capturing the hearts of fans and pundits alike. Kingdom Osayi, born on June 3, 2004, in Lagos, has made a name for himself as a formidable goalkeeper, currently donning the colors of Doma United. In this exclusive interview, we delve into the life and career of this young talent, exploring the highs and lows that have shaped him into the player he is today.
Early Life and Youth Career
Osayi’s journey in football commenced at the tender age of 8 in the bustling city of Lagos. Initially, he played as a field player, but fate intervened during a tournament, leading him to take up the role of a goalkeeper. Little did he know that this decision would shape his destiny. Osayi quickly excelled in his new position, and his innate talent caught the eyes of coaches, setting the stage for his remarkable journey.
Personal Life
Born to Caroline Obun and Augustine Osarumwnese Osayi, Kingdom is the third of four siblings. His roots trace back to Esan South East in Edo state, where both parents hail from the same village. This background forms the foundation of Osayi’s resilience and determination to overcome challenges.
From humble beginnings in Mushin, Lagos, where he juggled school, training, and odd jobs to support his football dreams, Osayi’s story is one of perseverance. Osayi’s journey has been filled with both trials and triumphs.
Facing Challenges and Overcoming Odds
Kingdom reflects on the challenges he faced, selling fruits, pure water, corn, and plantain on the streets to fund his kits, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the sport.
There have been a lot of positive, trying times, and negatives in my journey. The key point is waking up in the morning in an area where it’s difficult to feed, challenging to get money to buy kits. Although there was support from my parents, initially, there wasn’t. However, in the long run, when they saw they couldn’t stop me from playing football, they decided to see how it would unfold. Still, financial aid from them was scarce because the money wasn’t coming forth as expected.
I had to go about selling fruits for my mom, sometimes selling pure water, corn, or plantain—hawking them on the road just to ensure we had enough money for my kits. At times, I would skip school to attend training or skip classes to make money for my kits. It was challenging, but I never gave up. I kept believing, praying, and giving my all, maintaining focus until it paid off.
The turning point came when I moved from Team 360 in Lagos to F.C. Bethel at Yaba, in the railway compound. Within just one year, I moved from F.C. Bethel to Heartland, becoming the youngest goalkeeper in the team at 16. This marked the beginning of a new chapter. The challenges continued, being an academy player and the youngest goalkeeper, but with talent, I managed to keep 13 games and secure 5 clean sheets, including the F.A. Cup and the NNL league.
With the support of experienced players like Ebele Obi and Japhet Okugbor, as well as goalkeeper trainer Loginus Duru, he says he overcame discouragement and emerged stronger.
The journey wasn’t without discouragement, but it paid off. I was fortunate to be with players like Ebele Obi, the elder brother of John Mikel Obi, and Japhet Okugbor, now with Rangers International. They became my backbone, providing courage, training, and support. Goalkeeper trainer Loginus Duru at Heartland was also instrumental in shaping my career before moving through various coaches down to the one I have now at Doma United.
It has been a journey filled with challenges, but I’m having the best moment of my life, and I know the best is yet to come.
Professional Career with Doma United
He joined Doma United from the defunct Mountain of Fire and Miracle FC in 2022.
Clean Sheets: In the 2023-2024 NPFL season, Kingdom Osayi emerged as a key player for Doma United. His standout performances as a goalkeeper played a pivotal role in the team’s defensive success, boasting an impressive 13 clean sheets by matchday 17. Notably, he achieved a remarkable record of 10 consecutive clean sheets at home since April 2023 as well as 9 consecutive clean sheets both home and away – showcasing his consistency and skill.
Double Assist: Kingdom’s role as a goalkeeper for Doma United took an unexpected turn as he provided the ammunition, with not one but two vital assists, that helped his club to victory in the derby.
With the visitors leading 1-0 thanks to Emmanuel Ekpeyong’s 52nd-minute opener, it was another Emmanuel, Jesam, who benefited from the show of unique skills and vision from his goalkeeper.
Two minutes after Ekpeyong’s curtain raiser, the goalkeeper defied the typical expectations of his role in a way reminiscent of Liverpool’s Alisson Becker.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE TO READ
Honors and Recognition
Osayi’s contributions did not go unnoticed, as he played a significant role in Doma United’s title challenge during their inaugural NPFL season. Despite not receiving a national team call-up, he earned recognition and high expectations from fans across the country.
Dedication to Excellence
Osayi’s dedication to excellence is evident in his approach to training. He emphasizes the importance of constant learning, maintaining fitness through gym sessions, and honing his communication and footwork skills. His commitment to being a team player while also having an individual mindset during challenging moments speaks volumes about his maturity on the field.
After every game I go back to the drawing board watch the clips, look at my lapses, look at how the team we are going to play next, how they play, how they build, what is their danger tactics to get their goal? It has really build me up as a professional; he said.
Inspirations in the Goalkeeping Realm
Osayi draws inspiration from iconic goalkeepers like Vincent Enyeama, Femi Thomas, Ederson of Manchester City, Thioubut Courtois of Real Madrid, and Alisson of Liverpool. Their composed and calm decision-making styles inspire him to push harder and continually improve.
As a child, I avidly watched football, drawing inspiration from some of the finest goalkeepers, even though I couldn’t observe their play up close. Vincent Enyeama stands out as a prominent figure who has left a lasting impact on me. Despite not having the chance to witness his performances firsthand, I extensively viewed his clips, highlights, and read about his biography and achievements. The composure he displayed on the field left an indelible impression on me.
Another goalkeeper who has influenced my approach is Femi Thomas, known for his calm and decisive decision-making. Beyond the Nigerian football scene, I also look up to European goalkeepers such as Ederson from Manchester City and Thibaut Courtois from Real Madrid. The likes of Alisson from Liverpool further fuel my drive to work harder and bring out the best in my abilities.
These goalkeepers serve as constant sources of inspiration, motivating me to push my limits and elevate my game. Among them, Vincent Enyeama’s journey holds a special place in my heart, and learning from these exemplary players has been a driving force behind my continuous quest for excellence.
Giving Back Through Charity
Beyond the field, Osayi believes in giving back to the community. However, he prefers to keep his charitable efforts low-key, channeling support through a ministry to ensure the focus remains on making a positive impact rather than seeking recognition.
Yes, I usually do, but I channel my contributions through a ministry; that’s how I prefer to handle it. I don’t actively involve myself in the process; instead, I entrust the ministry to carry out the charity works on my behalf. Most of the time, I prefer not to publicize my involvement in helping others, so I opt to work through the ministry.
Certainly, Kingdom Osayi's journey from the streets of Lagos to the spotlight of Nigerian football is a testament to his resilience, talent, and unwavering dedication. As he continues to make strides in his career, one can only anticipate the greatness that lies ahead for this rising star. Kingdom Osayi is not just a goalkeeper; he is a symbol of determination and the embodiment of a football dream fulfilled.
