Following a short spell with the Ghana U23 side in 2019 where he staged a swashbuckling display in the first qualifying game against Togo, netting Ghana’s opener, Nassam Yakubu disappeared into thin air, emerging in Japan as a professional representing the true football talent of a Ghanaian.
After a stupendous season with Ococias Kyoto in Japan, winning the Japanese FA Cup and showing a lot of promise, FootballMadeInGhana.com caught up with Ghanaian striker Nassam Yakubu Ibrahim in an exclusive interview touching on the genesis of his career, his school days, clubs he’s played for, football in Japan and his triumphant achievement of winning the Japanese FA Cup.
FootballMadeInGhana.com will use the initials FMIG while Nassam Yakubu Ibrahim will be represented by NYI in the interview.
FMIG: Hi Nassam! Salam Alaikum.
NYI: Hello Boss! Wa Alaikum Salam.
FMIG: You are relatively unknown to several Ghanaians despite your top performance in Japan. Tell us about yourself.
NYI: I’m Yakubu Nassam Ibrahim son of coach Yakubu Nassam former Black Stars’ goalkeepers’ trainer. I’m from northern Ghana, Bimbila to be precise. I attended Our Lady of Peace basic school in Bimbila and continued to Fiaseman Senior High School in Tarkwah.
FMIG: How did your football career start and where did it all begun?
NYI: My football career started when I was little boy playing for my school team. I also played for my district and regional teams as well. I was selected to join Red Bull Soccer Academy from the Regional Milo Games. I Played for a year and left for high school. From high school I joined Glow Lamp Soccer Academy. During my stay there, I had the chance to the national U20 for some weeks but didn’t make it to the final squad. I Played there for few years and left to Accra to join Pofmade a second division side and had the chance to join the national U23 from there.
FMIG: Very little was seen of you on the local scene and that was when you played for the Ghana U23 during the AFCON Qualifiers against Togo. How did the national team coach see you?
NYI: During my time with Pofmade we played a lot of friendly games in the presence of some top national team coaches of which I had great performances. So I probably got recommended through any of them.
FMIG: In that game against Togo, you scored a very beautiful goal. Is that what got you a deal to Japan?
NYI: No I actually had that chance before the national call up. But I think the goal with the national team also helped.
FMIG: A lot of potential was seen in you during that game. Why did you move to Japan?
NYI: Well as you know, it’s not easy playing in Ghana I had several deals that didn’t go through so I had to grab that opportunity. For me it’s a stepping stone.
FMIG: How has the move to Japan affected on your career?
NYI: Actually it hasn’t been easy because you have to adopt to a lot of things to fit in.
FMIG: Are you only playing football in Japan or you are schooling as well?
NYI: I’m only playing football for now.
FMIG: How will you describe football in Japan, compared to Ghana?
NYI: Well the difference will just be facilities, high intensity and salary (laughs).
FMIG: In Asia, club football in China, Qatar, Saudi Arabia are rated ahead of Japan. So why did you choose to go to Japan?
NYI: I really wanted to play outside Ghana, that has always been the dream so I took that as a stepping stone to move out since there wasn’t many other opportunities.
FMIG: Did money play a role in you going to Japan to play there? I know you are earning good money there.
NYI: Not really because nothing was paid to my club nor me so I wouldn’t say that. I just took that opportunity as a stepping stone.
FMIG: Your father, Nassam Yakubu, is a good friend of former Hearts coach Kenichi Yatsuhashi. Did he play any role in your move to Japan?
FMIG: Yes. Actually coach Keni once worked with this club, so he recommended me to them and they got interested after seeing a couple of my videos.
FMIG: Now tell us about Japanese football. How special is it?
NYI: Well I wouldn’t say there’s anything special. It’s just the facilities and their approach to things that makes it different.
FMIG: What was your greatest challenge when you first wen to Japan?
NYI: Their culture. The food, language, lifestyle and style of play (football). These have been very very challenging but we keep fighting to improve.
FMIG: How have you managed to live with these challenges till date?
NYI: Knowing that everything in life is temporal, I keep pushing because I know it won’t last forever. Also the dream of becoming successful no matter what the obstacles keeps me going. When I look back, I have no choice than to keep pushing.
FMIG: Now, life in Japan, how is it like? Apart from playing football, how do you spend your time?
NYI: Just home. My visa is an entertainer visa which I can’t’t work with it yet. It’s really so boring so once in a while I go out on sightseeing just to refresh the mind.
FMIG: You have said that Japan is a stepping stone but many top footballers see Asia (Japan, China, etc) as a destination to ending their career. So how does such a place become a stepping stone for you?
NYI: It is because it gives massive exposure. Other clubs are watching and agents are also following. But actually it hasn’t been easy
FMIG: Now let’s talk about your season. How will you describe it?
NYI: I was the top scorer in my club during our preseason friendly games but the season hasn’t really started well. We’ve played 3 games already without a goal or an assist for me which isn’t good for me. But I’m just working and hoping to get the scoring back soon.
FMIG: Any regrets in moving to Japan?
NYI: No please I don’t regret coming to Japan.
Sometimes you must take risks in life. I really wanted to stop football and continue my education so if I hadn’t gotten this opportunity I would, probably, have been in one of the universities in Ghana by now.
FMIG: But why don’t you pursue university education there while you keep playing professional football?
FMIG: The truth is I wanted to, but studies has really been difficult after graduating from high school in 2014. It’s just something I gave up on because I had opportunities to further my education back in Ghana but I just wanted to play soccer.
FMIG: You recently win the Japanese FA Cup with your club. What does it mean for you as a player to win the Japanese FA Cup with your club?
NYI: It means a lot. I have the opportunity to play against the big clubs because the winner takes part in one of the biggest cups in Japan (Emperor’s cup) which a lot of J League clubs are part. So it’s an opportunity to showcase myself.
FMIG: Certainly, every player has a dream of playing for their national team. Playing in Japan, do you think you have a chance of playing for the Black Stars?
NYI: Well the truth is, at my level now, I don’t think it’s possible so I’m justice working and praying to play in the J l-League then I can think of the national team. If I perform well the country will certainly hear of me.
FMIG: Ghana’s U23 will be coming to Japan to play some friendlies with Japan’s U24. Were you excited hearing the news?
NYI: Yeah I was very excited because I’ve got some friends who are part and I would gladly want to meet them. But that might not be possible because of the COVID-19 Restrictions.
FMIG: Thanks for your time and wish you well in your career.
NYI: You are always welcome. Thank you too for given me this opportunity. God bless you.
