In an exclusive interview with Sportxvibe.com.ng, Oyebamiji Samuel, popularly known as Big Sam, the 400-level student from the Department of Forestry and Wood Technology (FWT) who guided the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology (SAAT) ’26 to win the maiden FUTA Word Cup, shares his team’s challenging journey to victory.
Sportxvibe.com.ng: Congratulations, Coach Big Sam, on leading SAAT ’26 to victory in the maiden FUTA Word Cup! How would you describe the tournament overall?
Big Sam: Thank you! It was an incredibly exciting tournament from start to finish. Every game was competitive and engaging, and it truly set a high bar for future editions. I’m already looking forward to the next one.
Sportxvibe.com.ng: SAAT ’26 has faced early exits in past competitions. What was the driving motivation for the team this time around, especially given that history?
Big Sam: Honestly, our initial goal as SAAT ’26 was simply to advance further than we ever had before, given our track record of exiting at the group stage in previous competitions. However, from the very beginning, I recognized the immense quality within our squad. My job then became to instill that belief in the lads, convince them we weren’t just participating, but that we could genuinely win this, by focusing on each game as it came.
Sportxvibe.com.ng: Which opponent proved to be the toughest challenge for SAAT ’26 during your victorious run?
Big Sam: SPS ’25 definitely gave us the hardest time. Their forwards were incredibly pacy, and we struggled a bit to contain them throughout the match.
Sportxvibe.com.ng: This is SAAT ’26’s maiden title. What are the plans to maintain this winning momentum and build on this historic achievement?
Big Sam: As you rightly pointed out, this is our first major title as SAAT ’26, and we are absolutely committed to building on this success. The quality within this team is undeniable and very evident. We have our sights set on every trophy out there; we’re coming for them all.
Sportxvibe.com.ng: Looking ahead to the next edition of the FUTA Word Cup, what are your aspirations and plans for SAAT ’26?
Big Sam: Our plan for the next edition is straightforward: more intensity, more determination, and an even stronger will to win. We aim to defend our title and continue our legacy.
Sportxvibe.com.ng: As a student-athlete yourself, what kind of support systems do you believe are crucial for student-athletes to thrive academically and athletically?
Big Sam: Student-athletes desperately need better structural support. This includes proper scheduling that accommodates both academic commitments and training, improved access to quality training facilities, and consistent encouragement from the institution. When these elements are in place, their performance, both on and off the field, naturally improves. I want to particularly emphasize proper scheduling; balancing academics and intense training can be incredibly tricky without it.
Sportxvibe.com.ng: Finally, as someone who just experienced the maiden FUTA Word Cup firsthand, what advice would you offer to the organizers for future editions?
Big Sam: The organizers did a commendable job with this maiden edition; it was a fantastic start. Moving forward, the key is to build on this solid foundation. My advice would be to focus on refining the organization, significantly increasing visibility, and making the tournament even more competitive. With sufficient visibility and proper planning, this competition has the potential to rival, or even surpass, events like the VC Cup and the FUTASU FA Cup. Continued meticulous planning will be essential for its growth.