Imbibe discipline to succeed, Club owner urges players

The President and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Water FC of Abuja, Nureni Makanjuola, has urged players to be disciplined and be focused if they want to have a successful career.

Makanjuola, who was speaking with Sporting Tribune at the sideline of a friendly game between his team (Water FC) and City FC (also of Abuja) which was held at the Water FC Stadium, Apo, Abuja on Monday, to mark this year’s Father’s Day (celebrated every June 16) and 2024 Sallah, said a player or a sports man or woman who embraces the Ds namely Discipline, Determination and Dedication will not only have a good career but will succeed even after his sporting days.

He added that the event was also used mark the 70th birthday anniversary of Chief Gboyega Fatimilehin as well as promoting community engagement among Abuja residents and its environs in the spirit of Sallah.

“Discipline is the bedrock of whatever you want to be and achieve in life. As a father, you have to be responsible, disciplined and focused even as a player or sports man or woman. Some players engage in all sorts of negative things but you shouldn’t go with the crowd, you have to be distinct and let people know you for whom you are.

“So, I’m imploring them (the players) to embrace the three Ds; Discipline, Determination and Dedication. If they do, they will go a long way in their careers and will be successful.

“Today is Father’s Day and Ileya (Sallah) Day. We are using the tournament to celebrate fathers and most especially our father, Chief Gboyega Fatimilehin, who clocks 70. This is all about community engagement and to bring our people together in love and harmony in the spirit of Sallah.”

And despite his team 0-3 loss to City FC, Makanjuola said he would continue to expose his players to tough opposition so they can continue to grow in confidence. He added that his boys have picked a lot of positives from City FC and will continue to improve without losing focus.

“They (City FC) are playing League (NLO), we are not, but that should not be an excuse. We are just grooming a new set of players in Water FC.

“We have exposed our players to different challenges and they are learning fast. We know City FC is a good team and that is why we invited them. Losing to them is not a big deal but a learning curve for us; the technical crew and the players,” the Water FC boss told Sporting Tribune.