At just 19 years old, Endurance Oluwashina Osemudiamhen Alade is a rising football talent who has already set his sights on making an impact both in Europe and for Nigeria.
Born in Vlissingen, Netherlands, but raised in Rotterdam, Alade has roots that connect him strongly to Nigeria, a country he hopes to represent on the international stage, much like his fellow Dutch-Nigerian, William Troost-Ekong.
A Late Bloom in Football
Despite growing up in a city known for producing football legends like Robin van Persie and Georginio Wijnaldum, Alade’s early life didn’t immediately revolve around football. His parents were not particularly supportive of a football career, and it wasn’t until he moved to Maassluis at age 11 that he fully discovered his passion for the sport. Reflecting on the moment he first kicked a ball, he recalls, “I think it was just one moment in my life when I touched a ball—and suddenly, I fell in love with the game.” This revelation sparked a journey that would see him develop his skills and eventually pursue football seriously.
A Deep Connection to Nigerian Heritage
Though raised in the Netherlands, Alade’s parents ensured he remained connected to his Nigerian roots. He grew up speaking Pidgin and enjoying Nigerian food, an aspect of his life that continues to shape his identity. “I’ve tasted everything, eaten most of the things Nigerians eat,” Alade says proudly. His love for Nigerian football also runs deep, particularly his admiration for 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,” he shares. Alade draws inspiration from Okocha’s technical brilliance, studying his videos to improve his game, especially when playing in a full-back position.
Troost-Ekong as a Role Model
Much like Troost-Ekong, Alade is determined to follow in the footsteps of other Dutch-Nigerian footballers. He respects Troost-Ekong’s leadership qualities and success on the pitch, especially his performances in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Alade is keen to match and surpass Troost-Ekong’s achievements, saying, “I have a lot of respect for William Troost-Ekong because, like me, he’s Dutch and Nigerian. His leadership both on and off the pitch is incredible.”
Skills and Versatility: The Road to Success
Alade’s playing style reflects a blend of strength, speed, and defensive prowess. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches, he is known for his solid one-on-one defending, agility, and ability to make an impact in attack. Whether playing as a center-back or right-back, he strives to bring flair to his game, always looking to combine defensive solidity with creativity going forward. “I’m primarily a young player who looks for combinations on the field. I aim to play beautiful football, showing flair, while being a solid defender and contributing to the attacking play,” he explains.
His versatility is another key strength, as he is capable of playing in midfield, a position he feels complements his skill set. “I’m still in school and always try to make time to invest in myself,” he says, emphasizing his commitment to constant improvement, whether it’s through gym workouts, extra training sessions, or street football.
Mentorship and Future Aspirations
Alade’s journey has been shaped by the guidance of mentors and fellow professional footballers, such as Milan van Ewijk of Coventry City and Iliass Bel Hassani of Al-Jabalain FC. Their advice has helped Alade refine his skills, giving him confidence as he looks toward his future. His passion for the game is fueled by the example of players like Cristiano Ronaldo, whose mentality and work ethic have inspired him. Although Alade doesn’t share the same position as Ronaldo, he admires his drive and the lessons he can learn from watching the Portuguese legend.
A Bright Future Ahead
Alade’s determination to build an international career is evident. After trials with Dutch club Excelsior Rotterdam in 2020, which were disrupted by COVID-19, he recently succeeded in a trial with FK IMT Beograd in Serbia. With the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations on the horizon, Alade is hoping to make his mark on the international stage. His future looks promising as he continues to develop, aiming to achieve greatness and represent Nigeria on the global football scene.
Culled: soccer.net
