The football realm is constantly brimming with many prodigies, most of whom have trained all their lives to become as accomplished as Lionel Messi, Toni Kroos, Sergio Ramos. To keep it Nigerian; Jay-Jay Okocha, Torino West, Kanu Nwankwo, and even William Troost-Ekong.
One of those promising players is 19-year-old Endurance Oluwashina Osemudiamhen Alade. The defender was born in Vlissingen, a municipality in the Southwestern Netherlands, on the island of Walcheren.
Although he grew up in Rotterdam, from the name, it is evident that he has Nigerian parents, and he takes to his roots quite keenly, as instead of the Netherlands, the nation of his birth, he wants to represent Nigeria just like Troost-Ekong.
Who is Endurance, and why does he love football?
Endurance grew up in Rotterdam, a city renowned for its football prowess. That city has produced icons like Robin Van Persie, Giovanni Van Bronckhorst, and Georginio Wijnaldum, to mention a few.
Even though he adored the game from a distance, Endurance was detached from football in his early years. His parents were also not very engaged, so there was little encouragement at the start.
The 19-year-old defender was not associated with any football clubs during his early years, mainly because his parents viewed the Rotterdam environment as unsafe.
However, his devotion to football was brought to light when he and his family moved to Maassluis—another city in the Netherlands—at the age of 11. It was there that he uncovered his true love for the sport.
In his interview with Soccernet.ng, Endurance recalls that his first real interaction with a football was the turning point in his life.
“I think it was just one instant in my life when I touched a ball—and suddenly, I fell in love with the game,” he told Soccernet.
However, he revealed that his parents, particularly his late father, weren’t initially encouraging of a football career.
“To be honest, my parents weren’t big enthusiasts of football. Even though my late father used to play, you know how Nigerian parents are—they want their children to get a qualification and become a doctor or lawyer.”
Nonetheless, his parents eventually relented, and his father’s decision to register him in a local football club marked the start of his journey into the fast-paced world of football.
The Jay-Jay Okocha effect
As stated previously, Endurance was born and raised in the Netherlands, but his parents were quick to immerse him deeply in Nigerian culture.
He speaks quite well about his connection to his Nigerian heritage, even mentioning that he grew up speaking Pidgin and savoring his fatherland’s traditional food and lifestyle.
“I’ve tasted everything, eaten most of the things Nigerians eat,” Endurance said. His love for Nigerian football also runs profound, especially when it comes to legendary player Jay-Jay Okocha.
“I watched Jay-Jay Okocha a lot when I was younger. In my eyes, he’s one of the greatest Nigerian footballers ever. What he did with the ball was pure sorcery. I try to learn from his videos, especially when I’m playing in a full-back position,” he said.
The 19-year-old starlet also admits that he also derives some bits from Dutch players.
“I also enjoy watching Lutsharel Geertruida and Jurrien Timber because they can play both as center-backs and full-backs. They’re very good on the ball and play with panache, which I love.”
Endurance wants to be better than Troost-Ekong, but does he have the qualities?
Endurance looks up to current Nigerian players, particularly William Troost-Ekong, whose leadership and success in competitions, especially the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, have left a big impression on him.
Recall that just like Endurance, Troost-Ekong was born and raised in the Netherlands.
Now, Endurance dreams of towing the Super Eagles captain’s path and achieving similar milestones or even surpassing them.
I hold a great deal of admiration for William Troost-Ekong because, like me, he’s Dutch and Nigerian. His guidance both on and off the field is outstanding, and he accomplished remarkable feats during AFCON earlier this year.
But the significant inquiry is, does he possess the talent?
Endurance’s footballing abilities are undeniably exceptional. Renowned for his power, pace, and outstanding one-on-one defensive skills, the 19-year-old centre-back has the technical proficiency to neutralize opponents. He measures a towering 6 feet 2 and displays impressive flexibility.
Endurance combines defensive solidity with some flair in the final third. And interestingly, whether playing as a center-back or right-back, he is always looking to improve.
I’m mainly a young player who seeks combinations on the field. I strive to play attractive football, demonstrating flair, while being a reliable defender and contributing to the offensive play. I’m also very keen to learn because I want to bring out the finest version of myself every day and reach my full potential,” Endurance said.
A significant benefit that Endurance possesses is his adaptability, as he is not confined to just the defense. He can play in midfield, as he believes it suits his skill set.
He is also constantly eager to learn, persistently working to bring out the finest version of himself every day.
I’m still in school and always try to create time to invest in myself. Whether it’s going to the gym, training after school on a field to enhance my skills, or playing street football in Rotterdam on the courts—it all aids me a great deal, especially with confidence and challenging opponents during matches.
Support from Friends and Mentors
Beyond the prominent names, Endurance also shared how close friends and football guides have supported him.
He disclosed that he has trained alongside professional footballers like Milan van Ewijk (Coventry City) and Iliass Bel Hassani (Al-Jabalain FC), who were highly impressed with him and even gave some suggestions.
Looking to the future, what’s next?
Endurance doesn’t compare himself to other players. He’s motivated to be the best version of himself and reach new achievements in his football career.
He considers greats like Cristiano Ronaldo, whose attitude and work ethic have deeply influenced him. Despite not playing in the same position, Alade respects Ronaldo’s persistence and believes in learning from all aspects of his game.
I admire all football players. One who has inspired me is simply Ronaldo, even though he does not play my position on the field. Cristiano Ronaldo has made me reflect and learn a lot.
The young talent has had trials at different clubs already. In 2020, he had trials at Dutch club Excelsior Rotterdam but was not selected due to COVID-19. That did not stop him, however; he recently triumphed in a trial at FK IMT Beograd Serbia.
He will be looking to build his career internationally. And with the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations just around the corner, he can fancy his chances of getting into the team.