Like Troost-Ekong, meet the Dutch-Nigerian starlet who admires Jay-Jay Okocha and Cristiano Ronaldo

The football world is constantly brimming with many talents, most of whom have trained all their lives to become as great 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 starlets is 19-year-old Endurance Oluwashina Osemudiamhen Alade. The defender was born in Vlissingen, a city in the Southwestern Netherlands, on the island of Walcheren.

Although he grew up in Rotterdam, from the name, it is clear that he has Nigerian parents, and he takes to his roots quite keenly, as instead of the Netherlands, the country 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 talent. That city has produced greats like Robin Van Persie, Giovanni Van Bronckhorst, and Georginio Wijnaldum, to mention a few.

Even though he loved the game from a distance, Endurance was detached from football in his formative years. His parents were also not very interested, so there was little encouragement at the start.

The 19-year-old defender was not involved with any football clubs during his early years, mainly because his parents viewed the Rotterdam environment as dangerous.

However, his passion for 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 discovered his true love for the sport.
In his interview with Soccernet.ng, Endurance recalls that his first real contact with a football was the turning point in his life.

“I think it was just one moment in my life when I touched a ball—and suddenly, I fell in love with the game,” he told Soccernet.ng.

However, he revealed that his parents, particularly his late father, weren't initially supportive of a football career.

“To be honest, my parents weren’t big supporters of football. Even though my late father used to play, you know how Nigerian parents are—they want their children to get a diploma and become a doctor or lawyer.”

Nonetheless, his parents eventually came around, and his father's decision to enrol 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 enjoying 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 deep, 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 magic. 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 takes 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 flair, 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 tournaments, especially the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, have left a big impression on him.

Recall that just like Endurance, Troost-Ekong was born and bred in the Netherlands.

Now, Endurance dreams of towing the Super Eagles captain's path and achieving similar milestones or even surpassing them.

“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, and he achieved great things during AFCON earlier this year.”

But the big question is, does he have the quality?

Endurance's footballing skills are undeniably impressive. Known for his strength, speed, and excellent one-on-one defending, the 19-year-old defender has the technical ability to take opponents out of the game. He stands tall at 6 feet 2 and has great agility.

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 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. I’m also very eager to learn because I want to bring out the best version of myself every day and reach my full potential,” Endurance said.

A big advantage that Endurance has is his versatility, as he is not limited to just the defence. He can play in midfield, as he feels that it goes with his skill set.

He is also always eager to learn, constantly striving to bring out the best version of himself every day.

“I’m still in school and always try to make time to invest in myself. Whether it’s going to the gym, training after school on a pitch to improve my skills, or playing street football in Rotterdam on the courts—it all helps me a lot, especially with confidence and taking on opponents during matches.”

Support from Friends and Mentors

Aside from the big names, Endurance also revealed how close friends and football mentors have helped him.

He revealed that he has trained alongside professional footballers like Milan van Ewijk (Coventry City) and Iliass Bel Hassani (Al-Jabalain FC), who were quite impressed with him and even offered some tips.

Looking to the future, what's next?

Endurance doesn’t compare himself to other players. He’s driven to be the best version of himself and reach new heights in his football career.

He factors in greats like Cristiano Ronaldo, whose mentality and work ethic have greatly impacted him. Despite not playing in the same position, Alade admires Ronaldo's determination and believes in learning from all aspects of his game.

“I respect all football players. One who has charmed me is simply Ronaldo, even though he does not play my position on the field. Cristiano Ronaldo has made me think and learn a lot.”

The youngster 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, though; he recently succeeded 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.