Young people leave the local scene to pursue their dreams of becoming professional footballers in Europe
Talented Nigerian teenagers Shakirat Olamide Oyinlola and Miracle Usani have signed with La Liga’s academy in Madrid, Spain, Soccernet.ng reports.
Oyinlola and Usani were part of Nigeria’s squad for last year’s U17 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
A defender by trade, Oyinlola left Abuja-based Nigerian women’s soccer club, Naija Laterals, to pursue her soccer dreams in Spain.
The 17-year-old couldn’t contain her excitement and immediately took to social media to share her news.
Expressing his excitement, said “Excited to start a new journey with La Liga Academy ”. thank you. To God. The process continues,” she said on her social media page.
Delighted to start a new journey with La Liga Academy 🔥All thanks to God🙏.The process continues💪#LaligaAcademyMadrid #Laliga#NigeriaSuperFalcons #fifa #olamideoyinlola pic.twitter.com/tV2KMXaP9b
— 𝙊𝙡𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙊𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙡𝙤𝙡𝙖 (@Olamideoyin17) September 23, 2023
Oyinlola is Nigeria’s first-choice centre-back and Usani was a reliable right-back at last year’s Cadets World Cup, where the Flamingos won the bronze medal, the country’s best ever performance.
Although Usani was a full-back, he contributed two goals and one assist, making him Nigeria’s top scorer in the tournament.
The 17-year-old scored in the opening game against Germany in a 2-1 loss and in the second game against New Zealand in a 4-0 win.
Nigeria lost to Colombia in the semifinals in a penalty shootout, but in the third place match they also won against Germany in a penalty shootout.
Both Usabi and Oyinlola aim to take advantage of the facilities and opportunities at the La Liga Academy to take their careers to the next level.
La Liga Academy is a global initiative dedicated to promoting grassroots football around the world.
