International Football
NIGERIAN BORN DAVID OLAOYE BECOMES FIRST ENGLISH SPEAKING FOOTBALLER IN ARGENTINA
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
The connection of Nigeria and Argentina football-wise recently took a new turn as David Olaoye became the first English footballer in the South American country. Olaoye is a Nigerian-born British citizen.
Both Nigeria and Argentina have met in every facet of men football at national level and have become rivals in almost every World Cup both jointly qualified for.
There have been five out of six instances both have had to belong to the same group.
As if to prove the football bond of both countries, Nigeria in 2012 appointed a former board member of the then Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Chive Kaave as its ambassador to Argentina.
Kaave’s ambassadorial appointment to Argentina was with concurrent accreditation to Peru, Chile and Paraguay.
David Olaoye has settled in Argentina
The focus on football in Argentina is now more than just finding out information on Nigeria’s World Cup opponent but also that of a Nigeria blood sweating making waves on the turfs of that country.
Olaoye, according to an on-line Argentina media group, the TyC Sports, Olaoye, a striker, arrived before TV cameras to feature for fourth division El Porvenir.
British tabloid, The Sun, added that the 21 year old David Olaoye started his career in the English non-league before moving to Greece and Slovenia. He began his career at non-league sides Newham, Ware Town and Barking in the United Kingdom before his footballing adventure took him to Greece and Slovenia before taking the huge decision to move to the southern hemisphere and play for El Porvenir in Argentina’s Primera C.
Born in Nigeria. The Olaoye twin brothers, David and Daniel.
The Olaoye twin brothers and their Nigerian mother.
David Olaoye has a twin brother, Daniel who is also experiencing a footballing odyssey in Sweden — playing for Nordvarmlands FF.
He last month made his debut for the Argentine club in a 1-1 draw with Berazategui. “I chose Argentina because the great players come from America and it’s a place where I felt I could to flourish and have a successful career, I just thought that ‘no English plays here’, ” Olaoye was quoted by TyC Sports to have told the British media.
He added: “I signed a contract for two years after arriving in August, but it took me a while to get my work permit and I was only able to play one month ago, here are passionate fans, they are crazy, in all divisions, in how they support his teams during the games.” Olaoye, who was born in Nigeria and then lived in London, revealed that his ultimate goal is to play for Arsenal in the Premier League, although he would like to fulfil the dream of playing with his twin, who is currently playing in Sweden. “We understand each other very well, many people get confused because we are identical,” he said. “To be honest, I do not think there’s anything anti-English here in Argentina, obviously I’ve heard about things from the past like the Falkland Islands War, but it has not been a problem for me,” he said.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles put up a spirited performance but were edged 2-1 by Portugal in an international friendly at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The match served as Portugal’s final tune-up ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America and offered the Nigerians a chance to test themselves against one of Europe’s leading sides led by veteran captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal drew first blood in the 23rd minute when Pedro Neto broke the deadlock, firing past Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye after a lively opening period in which both teams created opportunities.
The Super Eagles responded positively and were rewarded eight minutes before halftime when striker Akor Adams found the equaliser. The goal capped an impressive Nigerian fightback and ensured the teams went into the break level at 1-1.
Ronaldo, making a rare appearance against Nigeria, started the match and remained on the pitch until the 67th minute. The 41-year-old was given a standing ovation by the home crowd when he was replaced by Gonçalo Ramos.
Portugal made several changes after the interval as coach Roberto Martinez rotated his squad in preparation for the World Cup. Despite the substitutions, the hosts continued to press for a winner.
Their persistence paid off in the 75th minute when Francisco Conceição struck the decisive goal, restoring Portugal’s lead and ultimately securing victory for the European side.
Nigeria battled to find another equaliser in the closing stages but Portugal’s defence held firm to preserve the 2-1 result.
The defeat means Portugal have now won both meetings between the two countries. Their first encounter came in Lisbon in November 2022, when the Portuguese recorded a convincing 4-0 victory in a pre-World Cup friendly.
While the result will disappoint Nigerian supporters, the Super Eagles can take encouragement from their resilient display against one of the teams widely tipped to make a strong impact at the World Cup. Akor Adams’ goal and Nigeria’s competitive showing against a star-studded Portuguese side provided positive signs as the team continues its rebuilding process under the national team set-up.
For Portugal, the victory provides a confidence boost as they head to North America, where they hope their talented midfield and experienced squad can propel them to a successful World Cup campaign.
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Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will be in the starting line-up when the Selecao take on Nigeria in an international friendly match which kicks off in a few minutes tonight.
The 41-year-old forward, who remains a key figure in the Portuguese national team, has been named among the starters as Portugal continue preparations for upcoming competitive fixtures.
Ronaldo’s inclusion is expected to add further excitement to the encounter, with Nigerian fans eager to see one of football’s greatest players in action against the Super Eagles.
The match offers Nigeria another opportunity to test themselves against top European opposition, while Portugal will look to sharpen their squad ahead of future international assignments.
Kick-off is scheduled for later tonight, with both teams expected to field strong line-ups in what promises to be an entertaining contest.
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By Kunle Solaja
Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Portugal will meet for only the second time at the senior level when they clash in an international friendly in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The encounter comes under remarkably similar circumstances to their first meeting in November 2022, when Portugal defeated Nigeria 4-0 in Lisbon just days before the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Once again, Portugal are using Nigeria as their final warm-up match before the World Cup. Four years ago, the Portuguese selected the Super Eagles to prepare for a group-stage clash against Ghana, the team that denied Nigeria a place at Qatar 2022.
History appears to be repeating itself. This time, Portugal are preparing for a World Cup opening fixture against the Democratic Republic of Congo, another team that shattered Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions by eliminating the Super Eagles from the qualification race.
The match at the 29,000-capacity Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa offers Nigeria an opportunity to avenge the heavy defeat suffered four years ago and test themselves against one of Europe’s strongest sides.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has assembled a star-studded squad featuring five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Rafael Leão and João Félix.
The Portuguese head into the encounter unbeaten in their last four matches, having recorded victories over the United States and Chile while drawing with Mexico.
Nigeria, under coach Eric Chelle, have also enjoyed an impressive run. Since taking charge 15 months ago, the Franco-Malian tactician has overseen 24 matches and suffered only one defeat in regulation time.
With both teams carrying impressive recent records, Wednesday’s friendly promises to be far more competitive than the scoreline from their last meeting suggests.
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emeka obasi
December 25, 2017 at 9:56 am
Chibuzo Ozurumba, CAF Champions League winner with Enyimba in 2004, Shell Nigeria Academical in 2000 also played in Argentina.
Happy birthday Amuneke. Chioma Ajunwa was also born on Christmas Day in Imo.