OpenLLM-France/wikimedia huggingface dataset:
# Dele Aiyenugba

Bamidele Mathew Aiyenugba (born 20 November 1983 in Jos, Nigeria) is a Nigerian footballer with Kwara United F.C. His name, Bamidele means "Follow me ome" in Yoruba language.

## Quotes

* It's a game i will forever cherish, it was a great moment for me as a player and as a person. Representing your country and reciting the national anthem for everyone to see is a feeling that you cannot describe, and i give thanks to God.
** I gave thumps up to racist fans who abused- Aiyenugba. Punch Newspaper, 23 September 2022.
* I was very happy and delighted seeing my son in goal as captain for the team playing againist mine.
** Playing against my son a dream come through-Aiyenugba. Vanguard Newspaper, 10 August 2023.
* Kwara is my home and i am here to give my best to Kwara United and also sports loving people who are in the state.
** Former Super Eagles goalkeeper joins Kwara United. Premium Times Newspaper, 11 August 2020.
# Victor Anichebe

Victor Chinedu Anichebe (born 23 April 1988) is a Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a forward.

## Quotes

* I don't see why we can't all come together [as players] and buy clubs. I do think that is another way to really affect change. Instead of wanting change, we can be the change ourselves.
** Anichebe eyes return to English football. Punch (Nigeria), 19 August 2020.
* Sometimes you have to be lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time as a young player. You need a first team player to get suspended or maybe injured and then once you are in the team, it’s up to you to take your chance.
** Victor Anichebe Interview (Nigeria & West Brom). FirstTouchonline.com, 13 February 2014.
# Emmanuel Amunike

Emmanuel Amunike (born 25 December 1970) is a Nigerian professional football manager and former professional football player who played as a winger, and is currently the assistant coach of Nigeria national team.

## Quotes

* No matter how good you are, if you are not playing week-in, week-out regularly, no club will consider you and your image will not be good.
** Emmanuel Amuneke: Amuneke We Have Another Yekini In Osimhen. New Telegraph, 30 June 2023.
* You have to be open to learning, you have to be open in terms of having the desire to achieve something. You have to be open to sacrifice, bearing in mind that nothing comes easy.
** Amuneke rates Super Eagles AFCON chances. Pulse Sport Nigeria, 30 June 2023
* Nigerians love a quick fix and that is where we get it wrong. We want to win the World Cup by speaking big grammar and not to work hard.
** I played ’94 World Cup final qualifier with one eye — Amuneke. Punch Newspapers, 24 February 2023.
# Yakubu Ayegbeni

Yakubu Ayegbeni (born 22 November 1982), known as Yakubu, is a Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a striker. His nickname is "The Yak".

## Quotes

* I’ll still remain one of the top strikers from Africa, no matter if those guys score more than 100 goals. Don’t forget they played for some of the biggest clubs in England.
** I remain one of Africa’s best strikers –Yakubu. Punch Newspapers, 16 October 2021.
* I won’t apologise at all. Why should I? I’ve scored so many goals for Nigeria too. I have sacrificed a lot for the country. Did anyone apologise to me? It was not a deliberate miss. I seriously wanted to score, but it wasn’t to be.
** Aiyegbeni: I Won’t Apologise For 2010 World Cup Goal Miss. Complete Sports, 29 January 2021.
* I remember when I came to Nigeria, I went downstairs to my kitchen, I saw my cook, he was on his phone, I was like ‘what are you doing?’ He explains it’s not a game, he’s betting, football. Everyone in Nigeria loves football, they all love to do stuff like that you know.
** Yakubu Ayegbeni: The importance of finding the right brand to promote. Insider Sport, 13 October 2020.
# Taiwo Awoniyi

Taiwo Micheal Awoniyi (born 12 August 1997) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Premier League club Nottingham Forest and the Nigeria national team.

## Quotes

* Football is what you love doing. Injuries are part of the game and once you find yourself missing out, you get upset sometimes. You just have to work hard and get back to fitness.
** 'We'll do everything in our power' - Awoniyi on battle for survival. BBC Sport, 14 April 2023.
* I was looking forward to playing Liverpool because they signed me when I was 18 and it was an emotional game for me. For me, I think it’s a good game for my team, we had a plan to stay compact and in the end we won, I’m very happy about it.
** Taiwo Awoniyi reacts to "emotional" winner vs Liverpool after being sold by Jurgen Klopp. mirror.co.uk, 22 October 2022.
* As for me, if you can believe, there’s no height you can’t attain. It might look difficult to some but I believe we can get as far as the final by God’s Grace.
** INTERVIEW: I combed refuse bins to get shoes to wear for training – Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi. Premium Times (Nigeria), 31 December 2017.
** On how he sees the Eagles going at the 2022 World Cup in Russia.
# Leon Balogun

Leon Aderemi Balogun (born 28 June 1988) is a professional footballer who plays as a defender for Rangers and the Nigeria national team.

## Quotes

* You can never make everybody happy, but you can try to make them feel respected and appreciated.
** I’m back at Rangers to lead – Balogun. Punch (Nigeria), 22 July 2023
* You are only as good as your last match.
** Leon Balogun Reflects On Debut Game With Rangers. Premium Time (Nigeria), 2 August 2022.
* If you say you want to see the next Messi coming out of Nigeria or the next Cristiano Ronaldo or whatsoever, if you want to see us so then you need to make sure that back home in Nigeria we have the best possibilities.
** Leon Balogun criticizes Football administration in Nigeria, Super Eagles crisis in bombshell interview. FootballLive.ng 27 July 2021.
# Gloria Chinasa

Gloria Chinasa Okoro (born 8 December 1987) is a footballer who plays as a forward. Born and raised in Nigeria to Nigerian parents, she capped for the Equatorial Guinea women's national team. Chinasa was born and raised in Nigeria. She began her career in Port Harcourt-based club Rivers Angels. In 2005, she played a match against an Equatorial Guinean club and scored three goals. After that, she received a proposal to play for the Equatorial Guinea women's national team, and she accepted.

## Quotes

* In 2005, we played a cup match with the team of Equatorial Guinea. I played the game very well because I scored three goals. Soon after, I received a proposal to play for the national team of the country. I did not think for a long time, because in Nigeria you must have connections to play in the national team (Falcons).
** Chinasa Okoro: You Must Have Connections To Play For Falcons, All Nigeria Soccer, January 04, 2013.
* I am in Equatorial Guinea when we have matches and tournaments. I have an apartment in the country's capital Malabo. In comparison with Nigeria is a very peaceful place. I really feel good out there and I'm glad that I can play for the country,
** Chinasa Okoro: You Must Have Connections To Play For Falcons, All Nigeria Soccer, January 04, 2013.
# Emmanuel Emenike

Emmanuel Chinenye Emenike (born 10 May 1987) is a Nigerian former footballer who played as a striker.

## Quotes

* I am very proud of my performance, I am proud of my team mates and I am very proud of the nation called ‘Nigeria’. My AFCON gold medal is a sign of great achievement, My AFCON topscorer award speaks a lot about my commitment and dedication to the team. Super Eagles is a camp not a family house, and it shouldn’t be a threat zone for any individual.
** Emmanuel Emenike quits Super Eagles. Premium Times Nigeria, 19 October 2015.
* I never said I want to be bigger than Yekini. Please I am just doing my thing, doing my best for Nigeria.
** Emmanuel Emenike: I Never Said I Want To Be Bigger Than Yekini. All Nigeria Soccer. 18 October 2013.
* I'm going to try as much as I can to score but that does not matter; what is most important is that Nigeria emerges champion.
** Emenike wants to win tittle to boost career. Vanguard News, 18 January 2013.
# Vincent Enyema

Vincent Enyema (born 29 August 1982) is a Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. Despite his below-average height for a goalkeeper, he is popularly regarded as one of the greatest African goalkeepers of all time and of his era.

## Quotes

* People have their choices and I respect their choices.
** Nigeria legend Vincent Enyeama's new project: 'I want to raise clean sheet machines'. ESPN, 20 April 2020.
* I cannot say no to Nigeria, that’s the truth. If Nigeria tells me today ‘Vincent, we have goalkeeping problem; we need you’, I will be there. I can’t say no.
** Vincent Enyeama agrees to return as Super Eagles goalkeeper. Daily Post (Nigeria), 14 September 2019.
# Finidi George

George Finidi (born 15 April 1971), known as Finidi George, is a Nigerian professional football coach and former player who is currently the head coach of Nigeria Professional Football League club Enyimba F.C. As a player, he played as a right winger.

## Quotes

* I must tell you the AFCON is the toughest tournament to play and win. Most people feel AFCON should be won every two years, but if it was that easy, no one would cherish it anymore.
** AFCON most difficult tourney to win – Finidi. Punch (Nigeria), 12 March 2023.
* I’m not in a hurry and my belief is that if something is not for you, then it’s not for you. I can’t force or push anyone to hire me to handle the national teams.
** I Won’t Fight For Coaching Position – Finidi George. THE INTERVIEW (Nigeria), 13 April 2019.
# Odion Ighalo

Odion Jude Ighalo (born 16 June 1989) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Saudi Pro League club Al-Wehda and the Nigeria national team.

## Quotes

* I left Old Trafford with pride, with my head up, because it was my dream team and not everybody’s dream comes to pass. Mine came to pass so every day of my life, I’m grateful.
** I’ve no regrets playing for United –Ighalo. Punch Newspaper, 18 February 2022.
* Well, there’s not much to describe about me. I’m very fast, I’m skilful, I’m strong, I have good techniques, so I can find my way in the field of play, so, when I get started, I just have to keep going and gel with the team, so that everything will work out very fine.
** Exclusive: Odion Ighalo's first interview in full. manutd.com, 5 February 2020.
* In China now, I am working more harder than when I was in England because I am the captain of the team. I run a lot, I have to do twice as I do in England for me to get a goal, so it's more difficult for me and the work rate is higher than when I was in England.
** Odion Ighalo Interview: Every Word On Super Eagles, South Africa, Revenge, Red-Hot Form, Return To Europe, CSL. All Nigeria Soccer, 19 October 2018.
# William Troost-Ekong

William Paul Troost-Ekong (born September 1 1993) is a professional footballer who plays as centre back for Greek Super League club PAOK and the Nigerian national football team.

## Quotes

* I see what pollution does, especially in a country like Nigeria. I want my children to enjoy what we enjoy now in the European countries where we live. Clean air, clean water, no extreme drought or high water levels.
** William Troost Ekong all players and clubs should make transfers climate neutral. The Guardian, 3 June 2023.
* The great thing is that every one fits in and they are all doing their bit to make the country proud.
** I'll wear my tattoos for life - Troost Ekong. Punch Newspaper, 8 April 2022.
* I think it will be infectious once people see the projects that we will do together or the impact we can have as football players, which is not very big to us, but is to some other people
** Nigeria’s Will Troost-Ekong: ‘If there is racism we will make a decision’. The Guardian, 27 May 2018.
# Vincent Enyeama

Vincent Enyeama (born 29 August 1982) is a Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. Despite his below-average height for a goalkeeper, he is popularly regarded as one of the greatest African goalkeepers of all time and of his era.

## Quotes

* I have put the past behind me as I continue to train and [I'm] hoping to make a positive return. Goalkeepers have a long lifespan in football and I believe I still have so much to offer. I'd be the first to stop when I know I cannot give my best. I’ll continue to train at home hoping for the best.
** Vincent Enyeama: Where did it go wrong?. goal.com, 26 April 2020.
* I’m of the opinion that we should encourage our players, push them, fight for them, hype them. I realized one thing, when I was playing in France, the Nigerian press didn’t hype me enough. Mbappe is Mbappe because he’s hyped.
** I’m Not Interested In Returning to Super Eagles – Enyeama. GoalBall Live, 6 October 2019
* I cannot say no to Nigeria, that’s the truth. If Nigeria tells me today ‘Vincent, we have goalkeeping problem; we need you’, I will be there. I can’t say no.
** Vincent Enyeama says if Nigeria calls him to return to super eagles he will oblige. 36NG, 14 September 2019.
* I couldn't have done it without God. It is not easy to be the highest cap Nigerian player. You had to fly for over 100 times to achieve that, he kept me safe all through.
** Vincent Enyeama : Five Reasons Why I Succeeded In My Career. Opera News Nigeria.
# Celestine Babayaro

Celestine Boyd Jonto Hycieth Babayaro (born 29 August 1978) is a Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a left-back or a midfielder.

## Quotes

* But I will tell you this, the most difficult player I ever played against is David Beckham. You know why? You don’t even need to go close to him, all he needs to do is control and cross.
** Celestine Babayaro names toughest player he ever faced Daily Post, 26 May 2019.
# Kelechi Iheanacho

Kelechi Promise Iheanacho (born 3 October 1996) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a forward for EFL Championship club Leicester City and the Nigeria national team.

## Quotes

* It is a downturn now. Nobody is really happy at this time. It is about timing for the club and everyone. We just need to take a chill and move on. It is not what we want. We can’t go back now thinking about it. We just need to move forward.
** Watch: What ‘disappointed’ Kelechi Iheanacho said after Leicester City’s relegation. Soccernet.ng, 29 May 2023.
* Your belief must always stay. There are moments as a human being when you feel you are down and you have nowhere to go, and everything is going the other way for you. But that belief and the confidence, if you have it in yourself, and the good people around you who keep talking to you, they keep motivating you.
** Kelechi Iheanacho: ‘People forget my name, they call me Senior Man’. The Guardian, 16 April 2021.
* I was looking forward to dedicating my first hat-trick to my mum and all the mothers in the world, and for it to happen on that day was amazing. I think about her every day. I know she is in a good place now and it helps me to keep working hard and to keep going. My worst fear was to lose her. Now there is nothing that could scare me any more in life. So I just keep being who I am and I know she is behind me.
** Kelechi Iheanacho: ‘People forget my name, they call me Senior Man’. The Guardian, 16 April 2021.
# Victor Ikpeba

Victor Ikpeba Nosa (born 12 June 1973) is a Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a forward for both club and country. Ikpeba played 31 international matches and scored seven goals for Nigeria.

## Quotes

* Football can be unforgiving sometimes.
** I respected senior players – Ikpeba hits out at Osimhen again. Daily Times (Nigeria), 3 August 2022.
* I am of the opinion that the best players available should play for the Super Eagles irrespective of where they were born.
** INTERVIEW – Ikpeba: Super Eagles Are Moving Into An Exciting New Era. Complete Sport (Nigeria), 8 October 2020.
* We know in Nigeria, everybody is crazy for football. We want our teams to do well, it is not necessarily about winning. Everybody wants to see Nigerian teams playing good football.
** Ex-soccer star, Victor Ikpeba talks about his new lover, life in retirement and how to succeed as a footballer. Encomium (Nigeria), 2015.
* There is an end for everything you do in life.
** Ex-soccer star, Victor Ikpeba talks about his new lover, life in retirement and how to succeed as a footballer. Encomium (Nigeria), 2015.
# Alex Iwobi

Alexander Chuka Iwobi (born 3 May 1996) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a right midfielder or right winger for Premier League club Everton and the Nigeria national team.

## Quotes

* I can deal with negativity much better now that I have grown up. When I was younger, I didn’t know how to handle those things. I completely switched off from football; I want my own space and thoughts; I don’t like to talk or have someone telling me what to do.
** “I probably shouldn’t say this” – Alex Iwobi reveals the Everton manager who told him to leave. Soccernet.ng, 7 November 2022.
* In football you're not always going to have highs, I've had plenty of lows before I even came to Everton and I've always been able to overcome them.
** IWOBI: I ALWAYS BELIEVED I'D SUCCEED AT EVERTON. Everton FC, 27 September 2022
* I was having a bit of a difficult season and didn't have the best Afcon experience, so I used that to make me motivated and get myself hungry [again].
** Alex Iwobi interview: Everton midfielder on a mission after seasons of turmoil. The National News, 4 August 2022.
# Garba Lawal

Garba Lawal (born 22 May 1974) is a Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a left midfielder. In 2014 he became general manager at Kaduna United and left his role in 2015. He is with the technical department of the Nigeria Football Federation.

## Quotes

* In football, what matters is the victory. Nobody remembers whether you played good football or not. What matters is the three points on offer.
** Garba Lawal Warns Eagles Against Another Upset Versus S’Leone THISDAY (Nigeria), 15 June 2023.
* Life is dynamic, things are changing. Money in football was different from what we have now.
** Fans’ criticisms didn’t bother me while I was in Eagles – Lawal Punch (Nigeria), 16 February 2020
* You cannot change human beings, only God can.
** Atlanta 96 Olympic win was turnaround for northern women –Garba Lawal. Premium Time (Nigeria), 17 August 2019.
# Nwankwo Kanu

Nwankwo Kanu (born 1 August 1976) is a Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a forward. He was a member of the Nigeria national team, and played for Nigerian team Iwuanyanwu Nationale, Dutch side Ajax, Inter Milan of Italy, and English clubs Arsenal, West Bromwich Albion and Portsmouth.

## Quotes

* My country people, I say it and will say it again, I am not a politician, I am a footballer. Whoever is there, is just talking, spreading fake news about me saying that I asked you to go and vote for who and who and who. No. I don’t do such. My name is Kanu ‘Papilo’ Nwankwo and you know, all my life is about football.
** 2023: Kanu denies endorsing any candidate. Premium Times (Nigeria), 28 January 2023.
* It’s very important to be happy with what you’re doing, and to me I’m very happy with what I’m doing because saving a life means a lot more than winning trophies. Trophies are good, but saving somebody who could die, giving them hope of a life, that means a lot to me.
** Nwankwo Kanu: ‘Trophies are good but saving somebody who could die, giving them hope of life, it means a lot to me’. Independent, 6 August 2018.
* I like my privacy, and when I come out, I do so for a reason, and it has to be something that is worth it. That is when you can see me. That is why you don’t see me everywhere, especially social events. It is not everywhere you see Papilo, so you can say it is deliberate.
** Why I plait my hair –Kanu. The Punch(Nigeria), 23 April 2016.
# Ademola Lookman

Ademola Lookman Olajade Alade Aylola Lookman (born 20 October 1997) is a professional footballer who plays as a winger for Serie A club Atalanta and the Nigeria national team

## Quotes

* Jay-Z has come from basically nothing and is now a billionaire. That takes more than desire and guts, it takes execution and a plan, direction and confidence
** Lookman on Atalanta, Gasperini and how Serie A changed him. Football-Italia.net, 27 January 2023
* You need to sacrifice some things for football.
** Ademola Lookman: ‘I had to make decisions that didn’t put my family at risk’.The Guardian, 20 February 2021
# Wilfred Ndidi

Onyinye Wilfred Ndidi (born 16 December 1996) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for EFL Championship club Leicester City and the Nigeria national team. Ndidi is known for his defensive prowess.

## Quotes

* It’s a personal thing for me that I want to do, to expand myself and learn new things. Instead of sitting at home after training I come to DMU for my classes.
** Leicester City's Ndidi completes diploma in Business and Management. Goal.com, 27 August 2022.
* I can only see myself as myself. Whether people say I play like Kanté, or that he’s better than me, I don’t listen to them. All I want to do is play and keep improving, and it is working well at the moment – we are doing the basic things well and we try to kick on from there. I prefer to enjoy the winning mentality of the team rather than how I play or what I try to achieve.
** Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi: ‘The other players were scared and couldn’t cope’. The Guardian, 8 April 2017.
* My dad watched it on the television but he didn’t want me to play football. He is a soldier, but he didn’t want me to follow in his footsteps, he just wanted me to go to school.
** Ndidi: My father — a soldier — never wanted me to play football. TheCable, 31 March 2017.
# Mikel John Obi

Mikel John Obi (born John Michael Nchekwube Obinna; 22 April 1987) is a Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a defensive midfielder.

## Quotes

* Yeah, they probably think I was, you know, I'm a bit underrated. But it's not something that really got to me. I mean, I was just there doing my work, you know, enjoying playing football and enjoying being at the club. But when it comes down to the national team, I was always someone who is more, you can look at me as someone who was underrated.
* “I am happy with this partnership and I promise to do my best to encourage and inspire the youths towards national development, not just in football but in other sports like Basketball, Boxing among others.”
** Mikel Obi admits being an underrated player at Chelsea. pulsesports.ng, 7 April 2023.
* Mikel Obi said: “I feel highly honoured to be appointed as Youth Ambassador of this country, it is a great feeling.
* The Championship is like war. Every game is tough and horrible. The Premier League is easier and people play easy.
** INTERVIEW: My best Super Eagles coach is a Nigerian – Mikel. Premium Times (Nigeria), 2 July 2022.
* I’ve never been a Ronaldo fan really. For me, when a player has so much ego, I don’t really get it. He’s never been one of my favourite players and that’s why I always go for Messi really.
** “It’s just horrible” – Former Chelsea hero Mikel Obi reveals true feelings about Cristiano Ronaldo following Man United exit. soccernet.ng, 24 November 2022.