Benjamin Odulaja isn’t just another student at Obafemi Awolowo University. As a 300-level Business Administration student and the current Director of Sports for his department, Benjamin embodies what it means to lead with passion, discipline, and a relentless drive for success—both in academics and athletics.
A devoted sports enthusiast with football running through his veins, Benjamin doesn’t just watch the game—he lives it. Whether he’s analyzing football reels, cheering on his favorite teams, or organizing departmental sports events, his love for sports is contagious. But beyond the field, Benjamin’s leadership philosophy and disciplined mindset set him apart.
Benjamin’s journey as Director of Sports hasn’t been without challenges. From coordinating inter-class competitions to ensuring fair play and teamwork, his role demands more than just a love for the game—it requires strategy, patience, and the ability to inspire others.
Tell us a bit about yourself
My name is Odulaja Benjamin Adetunji, a 300 level student of Obafemi Awolowo. Beyond academics, I serve with pride as the Director of Sports for our Business Administration department, a role that allows me to combine my organizational skills with my lifelong passion for sports.
Football isn’t just a game to me – it’s a way of life. From the strategic plays to the electrifying energy of the pitch, I find endless inspiration in the beautiful game. When I’m not coordinating departmental sports activities or hitting the books, you’ll likely find me analyzing football reels (I can spend hours studying game tactics!) or unwinding with a good movie. These interests might seem different, but they all connect to my core belief in discipline, teamwork, and continuous learning – values that drive me both on the field and in the classroom.
When did your love for sports begin, and what inspired you to take it seriously at OAU?
My love for football began as far back as I can remember—back when the streets were my stadium, and every evening after school was a chance to play with friends.
Those street matches taught me the raw joy of the game—the creativity, the competition, the pure fun of it. But everything changed when someone told me, ‘You’re only good for street football.’ That hit me hard, but instead of discouraging me, it lit a fire in me. The very next day, I joined a grassroots football academy, and that’s where my understanding of the game deepened. I learned tactics, discipline, and what it truly means to be part of a team. Street football gave me passion, but the academy gave me purpose.
When I got to OAU, that same drive followed me. What inspired me to take sports seriously here? Two things: my undying love for the game and an obsession with winning. I don’t just play to participate—I play to dominate.
The thought of lifting trophies for my department, seeing my teammates celebrate, and leaving a legacy of excellence—that’s what pushes me. Victory isn’t just a result for me; it’s a mindset. And now, as Director of Sports, I’m determined to instill that same hunger in everyone I lead. Because when we win, we don’t just win games—we build a culture of champions.
What was your first-ever competition in OAU like? Were you nervous, or did you already know you had what it takes?
My first-ever competition at OAU was nothing short of electrifying. Walking onto that pitch, I immediately knew I was surrounded by the right team – my fellow Business Administration coursemates weren’t just players, they were warriors with the technical skills and tactical understanding to dominate the game. That realization alone filled me with confidence.
Nervous? Not at all. By the time I got to OAU, I’d already faced far more intense football challenges during my academy days – high-pressure matches against professional youth teams, tournaments where scouts were watching, games where the margin for error was zero. Those experiences hardened me. So when our OAU competition began, it felt like just another battlefield where I knew exactly how to operate.
The way our department came together – the players giving everything on the pitch, our classmates cheering wildly from the sidelines. That first competition wasn’t just about winning (though we did). It was about realizing the potential of what we could achieve together. It set the tone for everything that followed in my sports journey at OAU.
Winning every final you’ve played in is a huge achievement! What do you think has been the key to your success?
You’re absolutely right – winning every final is something I don’t take for granted. While individual talent matters, our success truly comes down to three key factors that create an unstoppable team chemistry:
First, the football IQ of my teammates is exceptional. We don’t just play – we think the game. Everyone understands positioning, anticipates movements, and makes smart decisions under pressure. This shared knowledge means we’re always two steps ahead of opponents.
Second, and most importantly, we’ve cultivated a championship mentality. From training sessions to actual matches, we approach every moment with the same intensity and belief that we will win. This isn’t arrogance – it’s a deep confidence in our preparation and each other.
Finally, our teamwork is our superpower. We play for the badge on the front, not the name on the back. When one player has an off day, three others step up. We celebrate assists as much as goals, and defensive stops as much as scoring chances. This selfless approach creates a momentum that’s hard to stop in crucial moments.
How do you personally prepare for high-pressure matches, and what advice do you give to your team?
Preparing for high-pressure matches is no different from preparing for a major exam—it’s all about discipline, repetition, and mental focus. We don’t just show up on match day expecting magic to happen.
Every training session leading up to the game is treated like a final rehearsal. We analyze opponents, drill set pieces, and fine-tune our tactics until execution becomes second nature. Just like you wouldn’t walk into an exam without studying, we don’t walk onto the pitch without being fully prepared.
My advice to the team is simple but powerful: Play every game like it’s your last. I tell them, ‘This isn’t just another match—this is our legacy. Leave everything on that pitch with no regrets. If we’re going to lose, let it be because the other team was better, not because we held back.’
That ‘go hard or go home’ mentality isn’t just about aggression—it’s about respect for the game, for our department, and for the work we’ve put in. When we step onto that field, we’re not just playing for ourselves—we’re playing for every person who believes in us. And that’s why we fight until the final whistle.
What inspired you to take up sports in OAU, and how did you rise to become the Director of Sports for Business Administration?
Sports at OAU wasn’t just an option for me – it was a calling. When I stepped on campus, I knew I couldn’t just bury myself in books alone. The competitive fire in me needed an outlet, and sports became that perfect balance between passion and purpose.
My journey to becoming Director of Sports was fueled by two things: an undying love for our department and a burning desire to put Business Administration on the map in sporting circles. I saw potential that wasn’t being fully realized – talented athletes who needed proper direction, inter-departmental rivalries waiting to be won, and a chance to build something greater than myself.
It wasn’t about the title. It was about creating a legacy. I stepped up because I knew we could dominate if someone was willing to put in the work to organize, motivate, and push our teams to excellence. Every trophy we’ve won since has proven that decision right.
Can you describe a defining moment in your sports career in OAU that made you believe you could achieve greatness?
The defining moment came during my very first match on OAU soil – the inter-faculty freshers’ game. I’ll never forget stepping onto that pitch as a second-half substitute with our team trailing by 2 goals. The energy was electric, and the pressure was real, but something in me clicked.
Though we ultimately lost 3-2, that match proved something vital – that I could compete at this level and rise to the occasion when my team needed me most. The way I impacted the game in such short time, against more experienced players, showed me greatness wasn’t just possible at OAU – it was within my reach if I continued pushing myself.
That loss became my motivation. It taught me that even in defeat, you can find the seeds of future victories. From that day forward, I knew I belonged on these pitches, and I was determined to make sure my next defining moments would end in celebration for our department.
As the Director of Sports, what are your responsibilities, and how do you support athletes in your faculty?
As Director of Sports for the Business Administration Department, my role goes far beyond just organizing games. My fundamental responsibility is to create an exceptional sporting environment where every student – whether a competitive athlete or recreational player – can thrive and enjoy the transformative power of sports.
What are some challenges you’ve faced as a student leader in sports, and how have you overcome them?
One of my biggest challenges has been mastering the delicate balancing act between academics and sports leadership. There have been times I’ve had to miss crucial lectures to represent our department in important matches, or sacrifice evening study sessions to organize training schedules. The weight of responsibility often means burning the candle at both ends – preparing for exams while simultaneously ensuring our teams are competition-ready.
The turning point came when I realized my leadership in sports wasn’t separate from my academics – it was enhancing skills like discipline, teamwork and strategic thinking that actually make me a better student. Now I approach both commitments with the same championship mindset that says: ‘If others can do it, I can do it better.
How do you ensure that upcoming athletes in Business Administration get the right support and exposure?
Making sure our upcoming athletes in Business Administration get the right support isn’t just part of my role – it’s become my passion. I’ve taken personal responsibility for guiding the next generation of players, especially through my work as coach for the Part 1 students. Every training session is an opportunity to pass on not just football knowledge, but the winning mentality that has shaped my own journey.
I make it my mission to bring these young players along in the best possible way – whether that means staying late after practice to work on their weak foot, breaking down game film to help them understand positioning, or simply being there to encourage them when they doubt themselves. Right now, coaching these fresh students is my most important duty call. I see myself in them – that raw hunger to prove themselves, that eagerness to learn – and I’m committed to giving them the foundation I wish I’d had when I first started.
It’s not just about teaching them how to play; it’s about showing them how to think about the game. When we’re on that training pitch, I’m constantly sharing insights from my own experiences – why certain movements create space, how to read an opponent’s body language, when to take risks.
What role does teamwork play in sports success, and how do you handle conflicts within a team?
Teamwork is the lifeblood of any successful sports team – it’s that invisible thread that connects us all on the pitch. When we come together as a unit, there’s this powerful synergy where everyone’s strengths amplify each other.
But here’s the truth I’ve learned: one weak link can disrupt the entire chain. That’s why we’ve built a culture where support isn’t just encouraged, it’s mandatory. If a teammate is struggling during a match, you’ll immediately see others covering for them, communicating encouragement, and helping them regain focus. We understand that mistakes happen, but abandonment is never an option.
When conflicts arise – and they inevitably do in competitive environments – we have a process that works for us. First, we create a space where players can voice their frustrations openly and honestly. There’s no judgment in that moment; sometimes you just need to get things off your chest.
But here’s the crucial part: after emotions are expressed, we bring everyone together to address the root cause objectively. I’ve found that most conflicts stem from miscommunication or differing expectations, so we focus on clarifying roles, realigning goals, and most importantly, reminding everyone why we’re here – to win together.
Where do you see the future of OAU sports, and do you have any personal goals for the next stage of your career?
We have some of the most talented athletes in the country right here on our campus – what we need now is to match that talent with proper infrastructure and support.
The foundation is strong, but to reach greater heights, we must prioritize things like modern sports equipment, well-maintained facilities, and structured development programs. Imagine what our teams could achieve with access to the same resources as professional academies! I’m committed to being part of this transformation, whether through leadership roles or by setting an example of excellence on the field.
As for my personal journey, I carry two dreams in my heart: to leave an indelible mark on OAU sports history during my time here, and to eventually take my talents to the professional level.
Every training session, every match, every leadership decision I make is a step toward those goals. I believe completely that with the same determination that helped me rise here at OAU, I can make history in professional football one day. The skills I’m developing now – both as a player and a leader – are building blocks for that future.
Thank you for this opportunity to share my vision. This conversation has only strengthened my resolve to keep pushing boundaries, both for myself and for OAU sports as a whole.
Conclusion
Benjamin Odulaja proves that success isn’t limited to one arena. Whether he’s leading his department’s sports initiatives, excelling in his studies, or fueling his love for football, his journey is a testament to the power of discipline, leadership, and a winning mindset.
His message to fellow students? “Find what you love, commit to it, and lead with purpose. The field, the classroom, and life itself reward those who show up with passion and consistency.”
We can’t wait to see how Benjamin continues to inspire both on and off the field. One thing’s certain—his winning mentality will take him far.
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories on BusinessPoint!
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