NPSL Spotlight With Boston City FC’s Isaac ‘Nana’ Addai
SoccerToday spoke with NPSL Player of the Week Isaac ‘Nana’ Addai in our latest highlight interview of the award’s recipients. The Liberian native continues his form in 2017 after winning the league’s Mitre Golden Ball award as the 2016 MVP.
Related Article: NPSL Player of the Week: Isaac ‘Nana’ Addai
NPSL Soccer News: Boston City FC midfielder Isaac ‘Nana’ Addai was awarded Mitre National Player of the Week honors following his hat-trick performance during Week 10.
Addai found the net on three occasions in Boston City’s 3-3 tie with the Rhode Island Reds.
SoccerToday spoke with Addai as we present our latest feature of the NPSL’s Mitre Player of the Week.
Diane Scavuzzo: When did you join your team?
Isaac ‘Nana’ Addai: I signed with Boston City FC on October 21, 2016 from the Rhode Island Reds.
Diane Scavuzzo: What is your position?
Isaac ‘Nana’ Addai: For Rhode Island, I played more forward and centrally, in sight of the goalposts, but with Boston City I play wider, but I’m adjusting to that.
I’m trying to get used to playing in a new position — wider in midfield — but I love it.
Diane Scavuzzo: When did you first start playing soccer?
Isaac ‘Nana’ Addai: My career in soccer began when I was spotted playing in a refugee camp. A civil war in Liberia forced me to move to Ghana with my grandmother.
I played for Accra’s Sovereign Academy for five years before joining Buduburam FC and then Bago FC.
I returned to Liberia after the war, but would later make the decision to come to America to follow my dream of playing soccer.
Diane Scavuzzo: What does it take to be an impact player?
Isaac ‘Nana’ Addai: I’m a team player, a playmaker who wants to make the players around me successful. I am a hard worker and a very dedicated soccer player who always wants to contribute to the success of my team and teammates.
Diane Scavuzzo: Please tell us about your coach — what is he like to play for?
Isaac ‘Nana’ Addai: I have a great coach in Palhinha. I’m learning a lot from him.
Diane Scavuzzo: What are your goals as a player?
Isaac ‘Nana’ Addai: Playing for my country’s U23 team was a dream come true. I have always dreamt one day to play for my national team and proudly represent Liberia in international competition. This is a dream for every soccer player.
Diane Scavuzzo: Do you want to play in Europe or in MLS?
Isaac ‘Nana’ Addai: After talking to people who played in the NPSL, I was told this is a great league to play in if you want to further your career in soccer in the U.S. or Europe because many players have been given these opportunities through the NPSL.
Diane Scavuzzo: Who is your favorite soccer team or player? Who do you root for behind closed doors?
Isaac ‘Nana’ Addai: Boston City!
Photo Credit: Chris Aduama and Michael Preston
