A FOOTBALL JOURNEY FUELED BY PASSION AND SUPPORTED BY LOVE

Sebastian Broderick is a former football player and coach who has made significant contributions to the sport in Nigeria. Born in 1938, he embarked on a remarkable football journey that saw him excel both as a player and a coach.

Sebastian Broderick, a former football player and coach, gained admission into Bishop Shenahan College Orlu in 1955. He successfully obtained his West African Schools Certificate (WASC) in 1960. After completing his education, Sebastian joined the Electricity Corporation of Nigeria Football Club of Lagos (ECN FC) and became a regular player from 1962 onwards. However, his Nigerian teammates initially found it hard to believe that their coach, with the surname Broderick, was actually Nigerian.

 

When asked about how he managed to assemble such a remarkable team, Sebastian attributed their outstanding performance to the establishment of football academies. He emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent and sending promising players abroad to join youth clubs, citing the example of Alex Iwobi, who started his career at the Arsenal academy and has since excelled for both club and country. However, Sebastian noted that there are currently only a few academies in Nigeria, and more should be established to further develop the sport.

 

Reflecting on his career, Sebastian highlighted winning the World Cup in China in 1985 as the pinnacle of his achievements. This victory held special significance for him, as it validated his abilities as a coach and brought recognition to his name. He recalled shedding tears of joy upon realizing that his mother's words, encouraging him to persevere despite not receiving the same opportunities as his colleagues, had come true.

 

When asked about what he finds most satisfying about his life, Sebastian expressed gratitude for recognizing and pursuing his passion for football. He believed that football was the special gift bestowed upon him by God, and he had no regrets about dedicating his life to the sport, even though he had other talents in sports like lawn tennis and table tennis.

 

Sebastian retired from football voluntarily due to various challenges he was facing at the time. When questioned about what items he would take if stranded on an island, he initially mentioned football and his wife, but was reminded that his wife was not included in the options. He then humorously mentioned medication as a necessity, and finally settled on football, medication, his Bible, and water as the remaining two items.

 

Regarding his family, Sebastian mentioned that he has four children and grandchildren who live independently. He expressed that it would be unreasonable to expect them to leave their own lives to live with him. When asked about his wife's significance, he explained that their long-lasting relationship has allowed her to understand him better than he knows himself, appreciating her deep knowledge of his strengths and limitations.

 

Sebastian Broderick's journey in football, his dedication to the sport, and the support of his wife have shaped his life in profound ways, leaving him with a sense of fulfillment and gratitude.


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