Pasuma says he quit football for music after he was dropped from Nigeria’s 1985 U-16 World Cup squad

Pasuma also said the global success of Wasiu Ayinde’s 1984 album, ‘Talazo ’84” inspired him to embrace music after the snub

By Kehinde Okeowo

Popular Fuji singer, Wasiu Alabi Odetola, better known as Pasuma Wonder, has revealed why he abandoned his footballing career to go into music. 

According to the ‘Omo Butty’ crooner, he started out as a footballer but turned to music after he was unable to make the Nigerian squad for the 1985 FIFA U-16 World Cup Championship in China.

He made this known during a recent interview with Nollywood actress, Iyabo Ojo.

The Fuji star went on to say the global success of Wasiu Ayinde’s 1984 album, ‘Talazo ’84” inspired him to embrace music immediately after his World Cup dream clashed.

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Speaking during the chat, Pasuma said: “In 1984, Alhaji King Wasiu Ayinde released an album called ‘Talazo ’84’.’ The album was everywhere; worldwide.

“So, I decided to go into music because I was a footballer. I was invited to CODAK 85 [1985 FIFA U-16 World Championship]. I was among four players picked from a club in Shogunle.

“Unfortunately, I wasn’t picked to go to the World Cup, so that was when I decided to go into music.

“I was a professional footballer. So, that was how I ventured into music. The rest is history today.”