A short story about Gbolahan Salami. One player, I admire a lot, he nicknamed himself - Balotelli.

In 2013;

3SC needed to win in Akure, they were deep in relegation zone.

Hakeem Busari started the game with 4-5-1, he was scared to start Salami because of history with Sunshine.

This story is different from the 2010 incident against Ogunbote.

The 2010 faceoff with Ogunbote was the beginning of his progress to stardom. He became more popular & his quality top all off the field issues.

First time in Ibadan to covered 3SC game, I was looking out for him.

This story of Salami is similar to what Mourinho said about Balotelli.

Before we could look around, Salami started challenging the ball boys, he was angry.

Everyone on the bench kept shouting, Salami fi wan si le (Salami leave them alone).

Game started, Sunshine dominated & scored 2 goals within 20 minutes.

I was like, sabi I don tell these coaches, Salami should start this game.

It was as if Busari heard me, after conceding 2 & the 4-5-1 set up wasn't working, he introduced Salami & switched to 2 strikers.

At HT, game finished 2-1. Everyone was confident, there was no way Sunshine would survive the second half if 3SC continue dominating with Salami performance.

Ref blow whistle for HT, make players enter dressing room, Salami ran almost 50 metres & harassed one of the ball boys.

Back to the game in Akure in 2013.

I saw the line-up 2 hours before the game & I disagreed with the coach decision.

Salami was in great form that season, Sunshine fans were scared of him before the game, but the coach was scared Salami might not manage his emotions.

I agreed with the coach decision. Hakeem Busari said; "Tobi, we have to manage Salami in this game. They thought we'll start him (Salami), they might have plans to test his emotions, but trust me, Salami will be the one to win this game for us."

My football people, abeg respect Salami, that guy na proper baller.

Salami came on & the game changed, 3SC started dominating possession. His hold up play was solid, within 5 minutes, 2 Sunshine defenders got booked.

Guess what? 3SC scored & reduced the deficit.

Na so game scatter oh, the tensed atmosphere turned to violence. 3SC video man was beaten. Commissioner for Youth & Sports @dapolam was attacked, baba sef chop hot slap inside dressing room.

3SC lost the appeal & the most painful part of that season, 3SC got relegated .

From 30th minute to half time, 3SC wan kill Sunshine . From 40th minute the atmosphere was tensed, the ball boys started keeping the balls.

Immediately, they started, the coach called Salami & spoke with him. He told after the game, that he warned Salami not to lose his head.

On his day, you can't fault Gbolahan Salami quality, on a few occasions, his emotions failed him. Honestly, he was a replica of Balotelli.

A year later, he made the Super Eagles B team to the 2014 CHAN in South Africa.

Salami was Keshi's favorite then.

... The End.