Kun Khalifat FC defender Lekan Gabriel Joel, a former Osun United player and product of Olansile Football Academy, has described his debut season in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) as a valuable learning experience that has helped him grow both as a player and as a professional.Speaking in an interview with The Nations Digest, Gabriel said the transition from the Nigeria National League (NNL) to the NPFL was challenging at first due to the higher standards and different style of play in the top flight.
According to him, although football remains the same game, adapting to the demands and intensity of the NPFL required extra effort. “At the beginning, it was a little different from the NNL where I came from.
I had to work hard to catch up with the standard because the NPFL is on a different level,” he said.Reflecting on his most memorable moment of the season, the defender revealed that scoring his first-ever NPFL goal Warri Wolves remains the highlight of his campaign. He described the goal as a special achievement in his career and one he will always cherish.Gabriel also played a key role in helping Kun Khalifat avoid relegation after spending much of the season battling near the bottom of the table.
He credited the team’s survival to a significant change in mentality during the second half of the campaign. According to him, the players became more confident and began believing they could compete with any opponent.
He pointed to the team’s hard-earned away point against Nasarawa United as a turning point that renewed hope within the squad. He also praised the club’s Chief Executive Officer for his support throughout the difficult period.One of the biggest challenges he faced during the season came when he was asked by his coach to switch positions and play at right-back.
Gabriel admitted that adapting to the role was initially difficult, but he embraced the challenge and gradually adjusted to the demands of the position.Looking back on the season, the defender said he learned the importance of adapting quickly to a coach’s tactical system and becoming versatile enough to play in multiple positions.
He believes those lessons will be crucial in his continued development as a footballer.Gabriel further acknowledged the support he received from teammates, coaches and other members of the club, saying everyone contributed to helping him settle into life in the NPFL.
He noted that the competitive mentality within the squad played a major role in pushing him to improve throughout the season.With the campaign now over, the young defender has set his sights on attracting opportunities both within Nigeria and abroad. He expressed confidence that his performances have showcased his abilities and could open doors for the next stage of his career.
On the possibility of playing overseas, Gabriel said he would gladly embrace the opportunity if it arises, describing it as a dream shared by many professional footballers seeking to advance their careers.He concluded by expressing gratitude to the club’s supporters and his teammates for their unwavering encouragement throughout the season.
He thanked the fans for standing by him during both good and difficult moments and promised to continue giving his best whenever he steps onto the pitch. He also paid tribute to his teammates, describing them as a family whose belief in him helped him navigate the challenges of his first NPFL season.
Gabriel was one of Kun Khalifat’s standout performers during the campaign, making important contributions as the club successfully retained its NPFL status despite a difficult season. His resilience, adaptability and determination were key factors in the team’s survival and have marked him out as one of the promising defenders to watch in the league.
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