A record breaker by standards from the University of Lagos, Best Graduating Student
2022/2023 set with a First class from the Department of Estate Management and Valuation;
Hakeem Onitolo popularly called H9 in school or “Scorepion” if you’re familiar with the streets
of Twitter. We had a catch-up with the Lagos Island born talent where he shared insights into
his life as a scholar and also a footballing trailblazer in this interview by Orokunle
Oluwapelumi Michael of Eko Mi, Eko E…
When was the first time you noticed your attraction to football?
I have been playing football since I was seven years old but my attraction to football as a profession
started when I found out it made me happy and some people geared me up to also take it up
professionally.
How has the support from your parents been like?
My father is late and I have been responsible for myself; an aunty took over the mantle of fatherhood
in my life, paying for my school fees and giving me allowances till date. I also have my best friend
Akinyemi Toheeb giving me personal support.
Was your goal after matriculation to top the class or you just saw things shaping up for you?
Funny how my goal was to finish with a 5.0 from day one but I kept piling up Bs in my results that I
expected to have As. I had plans from the onset to finish strong and I was so close to that. I signed
out June 19 2023 and had a perfect GPA for my final semester.
Was your course a personal choice or you just went with whatever you got?
Right from time, I have always liked properties and farming from being a young boy. Estate
Management or Quantity Surveying were my options and I would have studied football if that was a
course also.
How did you get the nickname “Scorepion”?
A friend commented that name on one of my videos online and I got the name because most of my
goals were termed almost impossible. I scored acrobatic goals a lot even if most of them were not
captured. I’m also called “Goal Machine”.
Can you account for the number of goals scored in school?
I scored seven goals in the first season; we can say over 20 goals throughout my stay in school.
Topping the charts in football and also topping the class for academics, what was the secret
for such balance?
It is basically discipline and time management, I’ll have my gym sessions in the morning and
immediately when I get back, I wash the clothes worn to gym; I’ll still find time in between to read and
go to class. Naturally my body does not want me to read but I’m the one in charge of my body, I don’t
like procrastination so I have a mapped-out plan for my day. I will have read 80% of my courses
halfway into the semester and that’s how I prepare myself. I stayed at my father house all through to
prepare myself better.
Behind every successful man is a woman, Hakeem, what's your relationship with the other
gender?
I have a good relationship with women, most people even think I’ll practice polygamy. People are
surprised with how I pass my exams even when women flock around me. I only give women limits so
there’s a boundary they can’t cross with me; women are necessities for men.
Did you at any point consider dropping education for football or was it the other way round?
Yes, in my year 3, I had an offer from Armenia and then I asked my manager what he felt about the
deal but he didn’t give a perfect response. I was in my first class then and I needed my degree, I was
already thinking of ways where I could be studying online. I’m happy that I have my degree now and it
is very inspirational.
Should we expect Hakeem in Europe soon?
That is very inevitable and it may be this year. No doubt about me playing in Europe and I’m ready for
that challenge now and ready to take that risk.
Any plans in place to also further education?
One day at a time, my focus is on football but later on I can think about getting a Masters and find a
program that suits what I want. Pursuing a Masters should not be out of place for my journey so I
cannot rule that out; I can also go up to the Ph.D. level.
Can Hakeem play in the NPFL?
Yes, I can, the determining factor would be what team I am playing with and as long as their vision
aligns with mine. I support all the Lagos teams; Sporting Lagos, Inter Lagos, Ikorodu City. If I will play
for a team in the NPFL, it will be Ikorodu City because I like their vision and their hunger is different.
I’m not happy that Sporting Lagos is relegated. I also have friends that plays in the Nigerian league so
I get enough follow ups.
If not Football, what would Hakeem do?
I would have been a musical artiste; I love music equally as I love football. I have many Rap freestyles
and people ask me to take it seriously also. I have performed once but it was an outside event, I have
recorded songs also and featured a friend in one but my passion for football surpasses that of music. I
even have plans on songs that I’ll perform for my inauguration into the Super Eagles squad.
Where do you see yourself 3 years from now?
Playing professional football, maybe 2 seasons in as a professional footballer, there’s a high chance
that journey begins this year. Presently I’m signed to a team in Abuja, Gramaze FC after I impressed
at their trials and we are working on something that aligns with my vision.