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Endurance was born in the Netherlands, but it’s about the Super Eagles of Nigeria or nothing for him.
Growing up in the Netherlands, Alade Endurance has always had one thing on his mind, to be a football player.
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22:36 - 18.11.2024
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The 19-year-old, who was born in Vlissingen to Nigerian parents, started playing football at the age of 11.
Since then, Endurance has never looked back and wants to achieve his dream of playing football at the top level.
Alade Endurance, the Dutch-Born Nigerian, following his passion for football
The Netherlands seems like the perfect place for the teenager to hone his skills as the Dutch are famously known for having some of the best football academies in Europe, producing great players like Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, Marco Van Basten and many others.
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Speaking in an exclusive interview with Pulse Sports, Endurance revealed the journey so far has not been easy as his parents were originally against the idea of him choosing to play football because they felt it was unsafe.
This is understandable because as black immigrants in a European country, the last thing you want for your kid is to choose a profession where the chance of success is significantly low.
However, Endurance was able to convince his late father, who also played football, to let him follow his passion.
“My football journey started late, at the age of 11, when I moved to Maassluis and joined MSV’71,” Endurance told Pulse Sports Nigeria.
“Growing up in Rotterdam, my parents were protective and didn’t let me play outside much because they considered it unsafe.
“Football wasn’t a priority for me at that time, despite my love for the game. However, my late father, who had played football himself, recognized my passion and encouraged me to pursue it. That moment gave me the motivation to give everything I have for my dream.
“At first, my parents weren’t supportive of me playing football. They wanted me to focus on school and pursue a career as a doctor or lawyer. But my father ultimately encouraged me to follow my football dream, and I am forever grateful for his support,” Endurance added.
But despite receiving the support of his parents, Endurance says the journey has not been easy for him.
Failed trials and balancing school with football
The 19-year-old has had to deal with the disappointment of failed trials and the challenges of balancing school with football.
“Starting football at the age of 11 meant I had to work harder to catch up to my peers. Balancing school, training, and personal development has been challenging as well,” Endurance said.
“The Covid pandemic also interrupted my trial at Excelsior Rotterdam in 2020-2021. However, with focus and discipline, I remain determined to keep pushing forward. Another big challenge was my trial at FK IMT Beograd in Serbia for the 2024-2025 season. Although I succeeded and gained but wasn't what I was looking for and God had a better plan for me,” he added.
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Nonetheless, despite these challenges, Endurance still harbours the dream of making it to the top and playing for the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Okocha and Ekong influence as he chases Super Eagles dream
Although he was born in the Netherlands, the 19-year-old, who currently plays for VV Spijkenisse, wants to represent Nigeria and win the Best African Player of the Year award one day.
“My dream is to become an important defender for the Super Eagles of Nigeria and one day win the title of Africa's Best Player. I see myself playing at the highest level, continuously working hard, believing in myself, and achieving even greater success than I can imagine,” Endurance added.
If Endurance needs motivation from past Nigerian players, he needs to look no further as players like Finidi George, Tijani Babangida and Sunday Oliseh all made their names in the Netherlands.
However, for the 19-year-old, none inspired him than Austin Jay-Jay Okocha. The 19-year-old also admires William Troost-Ekong, who like Endurance, was also born in the Netherlands, but represents the Super Eagles.
Ekong is the perfect role model for the 19-year-old as he also overcame a lot of struggles right from his time in the Netherlands before going on to represent the Super Eagles.
As for Dutch players he likes, Endurance loves Arsenal star Jurrien Timber for his technical ability on the ball.
“I grew up watching Jay-Jay Okocha, whose skill and creativity on the ball inspired me. More recently, I admire players like Lutsharel Geertruida and Jurrien Timber for their versatility and technical ability. I also respect William Troost-Ekong for his leadership, both on and off the field, and his success with the Super Eagles, Endurance said.
But while he has a few players he idolises, Endurance is only interested in becoming the best version of himself.
However, Endurance's immediate focus for now is to move to a top professional league and hopefully get a chance to play for the Nigeria U-20 men's team.
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