For Lion City Sailors full-back Nur Adam Abdullah, the past few years have been a test of patience and perseverance.

After joining the club from Young Lions in 2021, the then 20-year-old enjoyed a remarkable debut season, winning his first Singapore Premier League (SPL) title and being named the league’s Young Player of the Year.

A year later, he played a key role in the club’s maiden Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) campaign, completing the full 90 minutes against regional heavyweights such as Urawa Red Diamonds and Daegu FC.

“I was an unknown young player when I first joined the club, so I knew people were wondering whether I could make the cut,” he said. “I wanted to prove that I was capable, and being able to taste success and play in those big games are memories I will cherish for life.”

However, that momentum came to a halt in September 2023 when Nur Adam enlisted for National Service (NS). For several months, he was unable to do what he loved most — playing football.

“I was flying high and building strong momentum over the past few years, so to go from that to having limited exposure to football was difficult,” he explained. “But I had to accept the transition and the challenges that came with it, as it’s part of the highs and lows in life.”

Refusing to let the setback derail his progress, Nur Adam made the most of every available moment. During pockets of free time in camp, he would head to the gym to maintain his fitness or work on his ball mastery wherever he could.

“I missed football, but my focus was on what I could control,” said the 2018 Dollah Kassim Award winner. “People often say that your career can be affected during your time in the army, but I took it upon myself to maintain every aspect of my game so that I wouldn’t fall behind.”

But the most demanding stretch of his two years of service came in early 2024, when he returned to Young Lions on loan and had to juggle his responsibilities as both a player and a soldier.

A typical day saw him complete his duties at SAFTI Military Institute in the far west of Singapore from 8am to 5pm, before grabbing a quick bite and heading for training in Kallang from 7pm to 9pm. By the time Nur Adam made it back to his home in Jurong, it was usually past 10.30pm.

“Sticking to such a routine was tough because I didn’t have time for much else,” he said. “But every time I stepped onto the pitch, all the fatigue and worries disappeared because I could finally enjoy playing football. Not everyone has the opportunity to do that while serving NS.”

After a long 797-day wait, Nur Adam finally pulled on the Sailors shirt again in a league match against Young Lions last October, and fans were once again treated to his trademark rampaging runs down the left flank.

“I can finally call myself a full-time professional footballer again,” joked Nur Adam. “It felt special to be back playing for the Sailors. Instead of feeling pressure to perform, I reminded myself to enjoy every minute and prove that I could still compete despite the time away.”

The 24-year-old made his 67th appearance for the reigning SPL champions in their recent 3-3 draw against Albirex Niigata (S). Although a natural left-back, he came on in the second half to fill in at right-back for Akram Azman.

“I initially thought I would be playing on the left, but Coach Jesús (Casas) told me he trusted that I could do the job at right-back,” said Nur Adam. “That reminded me of the first time I played there under former coach Kim Do-hoon during the 2022 ACL campaign.

“Although that was the last time I featured in that position, playing there at a high level gave me valuable experience. It can feel a little awkward at times as a left-footer, but what matters most to me is being ready to give my best anywhere on the field.”

Adding to the challenge, Nur Adam found himself up against Albirex winger Ryang Hyon-ju, who had already opened the scoring in the first minute. Nonetheless, it was a battle the full-back embraced, as he produced a composed display against the former North Korea Under-23 international.

“I was studying his play while warming up and noticed that he likes to cut inside to shoot,” said Nur Adam. “So I paid extra attention to my positioning to force him down the outside. As a left-footer playing at right-back, I had to be careful with how I tracked back and approached him.”

The match ended in dramatic fashion when Sailors goalkeeper Ivan Sušak became the first goalkeeper to score in the SPL, volleying home from a 98th-minute corner to rescue a point.

“My reaction to that goal said it all,” Nur Adam laughed. “When I saw Ivan coming up, I already had a feeling something might happen. With Diogo on the ball, you know his deliveries will always cause problems, and that was exactly what happened.”

While it was not the ideal start to newly appointed Coach Jesús’s tenure, Nur Adam believes the Sailors will continue to improve as the squad adapts to the Spaniard’s ideas.

“It takes time for us to understand and execute his philosophy, but there are already plenty of positive signs,” he said. “We are confident we can adapt to his tactical approach, which is geared towards an attacking and entertaining style of football.

“As a person, Coach Jesús is very respectful and always checks in on the players and staff. Beyond the professionalism he brings, he is focused on instilling a strong winning mentality. It’s an honour to learn from someone with his background.”

With his full focus now back on football, Nur Adam is determined to make every training session count while helping to raise standards across the squad.

“Nothing will change for me, no matter who the coach is. I will keep fighting and giving my best in every training session so that I never leave the pitch with any regrets,” he said.

“We all compete for our places, but more importantly we push each other to improve. Everyone in the squad must be ready on matchday, and that comes from building strong relationships within the team.”

The Sailors’ next SPL assignment comes on Saturday (7 March), when they face a wounded Geylang International side that has claimed just one win in their last seven league matches. Despite the Eagles’ struggles following the departure of top scorer Tomoyuki Doi, Nur Adam is taking nothing for granted.

“Playing against Geylang is never easy because they still have players who can hurt you,” he said. “We are taking this match very seriously as we cannot afford to drop any points. Everyone is committed to giving their all to secure the victory.”

With the Sailors looking to maintain their lead over BG Tampines Rovers at the top of the table as the season enters its final stretch, Nur Adam is clear about the team’s objective.

“All of us share the same mentality, which is to win as many games as possible,” he said. “We know what we are capable of, and our goal is to lift the league title at the end of the season.”