There is a new sensation in town. Bukola Abdulwahab-Omotose, raised in Ilorin, fine tuned in Illinois and equipped with a university degree, says this is the time to play professional soccer in Europe.
Bukky, as he is fondly called, did not want professionalism to alter his quest for higher education so he concentrated on college soccer and academics in the United States. Now he has come out in flying colours and wants to announce himself to the world.
His father, Alhaji Kayode Abdulwahab-Omotose was glad to inform me of his son’s success.
“Bukola just graduated and made 3.5 out of 3.74 in his CPGA, which is First Class in our clime”, he said.
Alhaji Abdulwahab-Omotose went on to tell me more about this 24-year-old Nigerian who made waves in the United States.
“In his first year at Junior College, Oakton Community College, Illinois, Chicago, Bukola was the leading goal scorer for the school and one of the highest in the United States. This earned him a first invitation to the All American team.
READ ALSO: SPORTSFLAKES: RIGOGO SINNED, OLAYOMBO PENALISED
“In the first year at senior college, University of Illinois, Chicago, he ended up as one of the top scorers. He was also named in the All American Team for the third consecutive year.”
Bukky made a mark playing for Oakton Owls. In 2019, he became the first ever recipient of the Outstanding Men’s Student-Athlete of the Year. The school also made him an Ambassador.
Bukola was good enough for the Flying Eagles and the Dream Team but did not really put his mind there. And our national team coaches were not looking towards American universities to boost their squad. Now he wants to prove that it is time to play for Nigeria by getting a club in Europe.
His father thinks Bukola has come of age and is good to sell himself to the world after acquiring some education. The older Abdulwahab-Omotose also played soccer and holds post graduate degrees.
He played for the Kwara State Junior team at the Lagos ’73 First National Sports Festival. At the end of the games, his State governor, David Bamigboye ordered that Abdulwahab-Omotose’s boots should not be taken from the player.
It was at the end of the Sports Festival that he became a student of Government Secondary School, Ilorin. As a student, the player believed so much in Enugu Rangers and was sad when the Flying Antelopes were battered 3-0 by Bendel Insurance in the 1978 Challenge Cup grand finale.
After secondary School, the senior Abdulwahab-Omotose joined Sparks of Ilorin. The team finished third at the 1980 Ramat Cup organised by the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) in Enugu. Sparks defeated Kano in the Third place play-off.
The team comprised players like Isiaka Olawale, Lateef Yusuf, Olarongbe Gambari, Bamidele Aturu ( not the late activist) Gafar Ijaiya and skipper Baba Alausa Ahmed. Toyin Ayinla also played for Sparks but was not in Enugu.
Enugu Black Rocks defeated Bolaji Oni Babes of Lagos 3-0 to win the 1980 Ramat Cup. In the fully loaded winners squad were Goalkeeper Christian Obi, Charles (Hurricane) Okonkwo, Kingsley (Mature) Onye, Benedict ( Surugede) Ugwu, Ejike Ekwueme, Benjamin (Murphy) Okaro and Joe Oha.
Bolaji Oni Babes had superstars too. Samson Siasia, Tarila Okoronwanta, keeper Raymond King, Paul Okoku, Chris Anigala, Tajudeen Disu, Femi and Segun Olukanmi, Alphonsus Akahon, John Ekpere, Odion Itohan and Skipper Lawrence Akufie, were there.
A year later, Andrew Uwe became part of Bolaji Oni Babes. Bremner Allada, Macmillan Ogbomo and Muyiwa Motajo teamed up with him.
Bukola wants to improve on his father’s record. Daddy’s best was losing in the final of the Kwara FA Cup final with NIPOST to Kwara Bombers. That game was watched by the present Emir of Ilorin who was a good player at Offa Grammar School.
Alhaji Kayode is into full time politics. From Local Government Councillor, he became member, Kwara House of Assembly between 2003 and 2011, ending up as Majority Leader.
He was also into journalism. After spending time at Kwara State government owned Nigerian Herald, the man moved to Thisday.
Bukola is willing to prove that the best time time to put in his best is now. Armed with education in America and talent, he has offered himself to Europe. The target is Super Eagles.
In the past, players like Andrew Atuegbu, Godwin Odiye, Thompson Usiyen and Nnamdi Nwokocha flew in from the United States to play for Nigeria. They all made the national team before relocating abroad.
Bukola has not played for Nigeria yet. He has age on his side and is glad to show that there are no inhibitions. That is why he has eyes on Europe to prove his mettle.
