Ranti Martins with wife Titilayo and kids Desola, James (left) and Emmanuel at their Silver Spring residence. Pictures: Rashbehari Das

He is the man of the moment on the Maidan, his goal having won Prayag United S.C. the IFA Shield last month in the final against mighty East Bengal. The 26-year-old Nigerian striker, in Calcutta since last August, tells t2 about football and family.

You have been a goal machine for Prayag United. What’s the secret?

I think Prayag has got me here with a purpose. I make sure that I try to deliver. I have done it for Dempo (in Goa) for quite a lot of seasons. I want to make Prayag and my teammates happy and Calcutta football fans happy. With 35 goals this season, my first in Calcutta, it’s amazing.... It’s a challenge for me as we have a lot of star players in the other clubs. God has been so good to me and my family. We are happy to be here.

How have these eight months in Calcutta been for you?

I am happy with my decision. My kids need some kind of a stability to study. As a family, we are enjoying the city. They like the city. This is a bigger city than Goa… Panjim. I miss the beaches, though. There are also a lot of our countrymen here… so, we meet and sit together… my wife and kids go to the malls… City Centre Salt Lake and New Town, South City Mall, Mani Square... then Science City.

Desola and her mean header!

Your kids seem hooked to a Bengali cartoon channel! Do they follow Bengali?

As they are in Calcutta, it is only natural. I have my TV in the room, so in the living room, this TV is for them. Whatever they like to watch, they do..... My girl (Desola Blessing, 5) and the two small guys (twins Emmanuel and James, 3) have all started school here (The Assembly of God Church, Park Street)… when they meet their friends or go downstairs to play, they might be speaking Bengali. They do not speak in Bengali with me or my wife (Titilayo).

Do you follow Bengali?

I speak my language and English. My teammates do crack jokes and I do understand some words. Bhalo aachey? Hmmm…. How are you? I am fine. Aachey, aachey…. In the coming months, if I stay here for some more years, definitely, I will pick up some words.

Is Desola into soccer? We saw her heading the ball like a pro!

She is extremely athletic. She likes running around. She knows my profession and is very excited about it. Same for the two guys… they play football around the house. They watch me on TV and they love it! Before every game, I speak to them on the phone. They pray for me on the phone. They say, “God will help you to score… Jesus will help you to score.” When I hear their voice, I get more strength. I try to do my job and pray for them as well.

Do you want them to take up football?

They are still very young. They have to study first. That’s a priority. And the rest is left to them.

What was your childhood like?

Much different… they are really lucky. They have got everything they want in life. I lost my dad when I was small… six-seven… it was very difficult. My mom had to get married to another man, which was more difficult for me. That’s why I played football. Otherwise I would have gone to finish my studies... accountancy. I had to do it by myself with the help of God. And this is where I am today. Whatever I am today is because of football. As a kid, I grew up playing football on the streets. And loved it. Nigeria is a football country. You see the average kid playing football. I am one of them. I am happy to be somebody today.

The football craze in Calcutta is quite similar…

Yeah, the football culture is here, much different from Goa, which is a lot more into cricket. You see Bengal and Kerala… they are a lot more about football.

What is your message for Calcutta’s football lovers?

Every fan has to support their team, but they have to show love for good football too… so that football can grow. And, life goes on.