Former Ghanaian footballer Nii Odartey Lamptey
Former Ghanaian footballer Nii Odartey Lamptey discussed religion and spirituality with Dan Kwaku Yeboah, during which he revealed that he is a Muslim.
In the discussion, Odartey Lamptey explained that while religion is important, he believes one can show appreciation and reverence for God by living a good life.
According to the former Black Stars player, by helping fellow human beings and living a lifestyle devoid of excessive negativity, one would be practising exactly what religion teaches.
He also provided a backstory on how, despite his parents being Christians, he grew up as a Muslim.
Odartey Lamptey narrates that at some point in his early childhood, he had to leave home because his father was compelled by his wife (Odartey’s stepmother) to make a decision between him (Odartey Lamptey) and his marriage.
Odartey said his father asked him to move to Accra and continue his career, which meant that he had to stay with the late Ghanaian football administrator, Alhaji Njie.
Odartey Lamptey explained that throughout his professional career, he remained a dedicated and committed Muslim.
"I left my father's house in Accra and stayed with Alhaji Njie, and that's how I became a Muslim. Staying with them meant that I had to worship with them, so eventually, I converted to Islam with the name Abdul Nassir. I was very young when I did it.
"Even when I was playing in Europe, I was a practising Muslim. I was a committed and dedicated Muslim. I used Odartey Lamptey because it's my father's name. He was initially against me being a Muslim, but once I became a star, there was nothing he could do, at the initial stages, he used to cane me for practising Islam.
"Those who know me very well know that I'm a Muslim. I named my kids with Muslim names. Most Ghanaians don't know because I don't profess it publicly, but my belief is that it's not really about the religion you belong to but rather the heart and life you live. My belief is that you can appreciate and worship God by being good to humans and living a good life," he said.
Despite not reaching the high ceiling expected of his footballing career, Odartey Lamptey enjoyed a relatively successful career playing for clubs in Belgium, Portugal, Italy, and Greece.
He also made 38 appearances for the Black Stars and scored eight goals.
EK
