For Inter Lagos midfielder Qoyum Akinpelu, the opening day of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season carried a special meaning beyond the result on the pitch.
Sports247 reports that during Inter Lagos’ EuroMatch NPFL Matchday 1 fixture against Shooting Stars at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, Akinpelu’s father and sister watched him play professionally for the first time — a moment his family will remember for years to come.
Speaking about the emotional experience, Akinpelu’s father revealed that he had always believed his son had the potential to excel in sport, although he initially imagined athletics could become his preferred path because of his love for running.
“He is my second-born. Even at that, I thought he would be an athlete because he loves running well,” he said.
Despite his own background in football, Akinpelu’s father admitted that his playing days were relatively brief, beginning in secondary school before he eventually moved on from the sport.
“I am also a footballer, but not for that long. I played just from secondary school,” he explained.
Watching his son now pursue football at the professional level therefore represents a significant moment for the family, particularly after years of witnessing his development away from the spotlight.
However, while celebrating his son’s progress, Akinpelu’s father also offered advice for the young footballer as he continues to build his career.
He urged Qoyum to remain hardworking and disciplined, stressing the importance of respecting his coaches and teammates.
“He should be more hardworking and also not be rude to his coaches and colleagues. I know he is an upright son,” he said.
The family’s presence in the stands added an emotional dimension to an otherwise competitive opening-day fixture. For Akinpelu, having his father and sister watch him perform at this level for the first time was undoubtedly a moment of pride.
Professional football often comes with pressure, sacrifice and long journeys, but moments like this remind players of the people who supported them before the cameras, stadiums and big occasions.
