Bennett Obeya, known to his music fans as PDSTRN, confirmed his position in the Nigerian rap scene by winning the 8th Hennessy Artistry VS Class Competition. In this interview with , the musician discusses his father's wish for him to pursue football, his preferred Nigerian player, and more. PETER AKINBO
Did you take part in any sports during your childhood?
Yes, I did. I played basketball and soccer at school. I was on the school basketball team, and I played soccer for fun.
Our basketball team competed in some tournaments, but we didn't win any at that time; we were fairly average.
Were you skilled in both or either sport?
I would rate my soccer ability as a 6 out of 10 and my basketball skills around 7.5.
Was there a time when you considered pursuing a career in sports?
There wasn't a specific time like that. Interestingly, my father always wanted me to engage in sports if not academics. I recall he bought me my first pair of soccer cleats upon noticing my interest in sports. He encouraged it because during his time, he used to be a boxer. He really wanted me to pursue sports, but I informed him that I only did it for enjoyment back then, nothing serious.
What is your favorite sport to watch?
My preferred sport to watch is American football; I am an NFL follower.
Do you have a favorite team?
My favorite team is the Kansas City Chiefs.
Most Nigerians watch soccer or basketball, why American football?
I believe I am the biggest American football enthusiast in Nigeria. I simply adore everything about the sport: the plays, strategies, the game itself, the touchdown celebrations, the cheerleaders, and the movies that provide a deep insight into the teams in the National Football League. Honestly, I genuinely love the sport, and when I have a son, I intend to introduce him to it and try to get him intrigued, similar to how my dad attempted with soccer, although I won't force him.
Who is your favorite player in the NFL?
At present, my favorite player is Patrick Mahomes, the quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs. Since his debut, he has been outstanding. He is quick, has excellent throwing skills, and remarkable hand-eye coordination. He reached his peak at a young age, unlike other quarterbacks who hit their prime in their 30s like Tom Brady. Mahomes, however, is still 28, so he has more time to dominate.
Who is your favorite Super Eagles player of all time?
For me, it has always been Taribo West. That man was exceptional, a top-notch defender who effectively controlled his area on the field. In all the matches I watched, Taribo was consistently the dominant force on the field. While many people mention names like Daniel Amokachi or Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, I believe Taribo West's impressive work in defense is not fully appreciated by the fans. Even Thierry Henry once mentioned how much trouble Taribo West gave him; he was simply unstoppable.
Danny Shittu is another Nigerian player I truly admired for his contributions to the Eagles back then. I had a great appreciation for the center-backs who worked tirelessly to prevent the team from conceding goals.
What is your opinion on sports in Nigeria as a whole?
Honestly, I have always felt that it could be improved. I believe we need to do better in the field of sports in the country. There are many incredibly talented athletes in Nigeria who are seeking opportunities to play and represent the country. However, due to the state of sports in Nigeria, many of them end up going abroad to represent other countries. For example, during the World Cup in Qatar, the Super Eagles did not qualify for the competition, yet there were numerous Nigerians at the tournament playing for other teams such as Karim Adeyemi and Jamal Musiala for Germany.
It has now become a common occurrence for Nigerian athletes to leave the country and compete for other nations. I personally know many young men and women who constantly showcase their talents at the National Stadium in Surulere, hoping to be scouted and leave the country. If the Ministry of Sports in Nigeria could prioritize these athletes as much as they prioritize themselves, significant change could occur. Nigerians simply want to work and make a name for themselves.
I recently witnessed a video of a girl skating in Ibadan, and her skateboard was confiscated. I believe Nigeria should provide more support for the youth, as in other countries, children support their families through these sports tournaments. The sports ministry should also strive for better performance, as we frequently hear about corruption within the ministry.
Consider someone like Tobi Amusan, who broke the world record in hurdles and has become Nigeria’s top athlete. I am quite certain that she did not receive the necessary support from Nigeria during her early career. Numerous changes and restructuring are essential.
Have you ever regretted not pursuing a career in sports?
Not at all, from the very beginning, any sports I participated in were purely for leisure; I never considered pursuing it as a career to support myself or my family.
