This week’s Athlete of the Week is Eke Ofili. A native of Asaba, Nigeria, Ofili is in his senior year as a Kinesiology major at Michigan State. He has just began his fifth year as a forward for the men’s club soccer team.

Earlier this month, Ofili became the all-time leader in points for MSU Club Soccer with 60 in his career.  He is currently second all-time in goals scored with 24. Ofili won a NIRSA NCCS National Championship with the men’s club soccer team in 2012.

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What is your favorite Gatorade flavor?

“I really don’t have a favorite, but I’ll go with the light blue one – the one that looks like ice.”

What is your favorite in-season memory?

“Winning the national championship with the boys.”

What is your favorite off-season memory?

“We went to a teammate’s cottage this past summer at Lake Charlevoix, which was a great team bonding experience.”

It is 2 a.m. on a weekend and you’re just getting home. What food are you ordering?

“The only thing open at 2 a.m. near my house is Dominos, so that’s gotta be it.”

What do you want to be when you grow up?

“I want to be a lot of things. I want to be a professional soccer player. I’d love to get involved in sports business and development back in my home country, Nigeria.”

What song pumps you up most when you are warming up?

“My brother is into music, he’s an up-and-coming artist, his artist name is Benzo, and one of his songs is called ‘Sippy.'”

Do you have a favorite class you’ve taken at MSU?

“Athletic Facility Planning and Construction (KIN 454)”

What is your guilty pleasure TV show?

“It was Gossip Girl back in the day, but not any more!”

If you had to play a different sport at Michigan State, what would it be?

“If I had to play a different sport, either track or rugby. Actually you know what, football.  I’ve never played football but I’ve always been intrigued by it.  But it would probably be track or rugby. I’ve played rugby a little bit.”

What are the perks of playing a club sport at MSU?

“It feels really rewarding when you play with guys that you enjoy to play the game with.  It is not as hectic as the varsity schedule, yet, I can still have my aspiration to play professional soccer.  Every day I train, I’m training with good players. We have a great coach who is a mentor, and who is doing this strictly from a passion for the game, he’s not getting paid.  Playing club just seems more natural for me.”

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Be sure to check back next Wednesday for the next Athlete of the Week installment.

Bradley Allen is a multimedia journalist for Impact Sports

Photo: MSU Men’s Club Soccer