Football
"The Glory Continues" – Olamide Adugbe Seek to Thread on Victor Osimhen's Path With Napoli
Rising Nigerian star Olamide Adugbe reflects on her journey to Napoli, her inspiration from Victor Osimhen, and her dreams of representing Nigeria’s Super Falcons on the global stage.
Image Credits: Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images
From humble beginnings to Italy’s Women's Serie A, Nigerian U-20 sensation Olamide Adugbe opens up about her unwavering motivation, dreams of the Super Falcons, and her message to Napoli and Victor Osimhen.
As a young star on the rise, Olamide Adugbe has embraced her journey from Nigeria to Italy with resilience, humility, and a powerful support system.
Now representing Napoli Femminile, she reflects on her commitment to growth, her inspirations, and her aspirations on and off the field.
Motivation Amid the Highs and Lows of Football
Despite the pressures of a professional career, Adugbe’s motivation remains strong, thanks to her loved ones and mentors.
“Basically, it's not easy trying to stay 100% motivated and focused on your goals,” she told SportsBoom.com. “My teammates, my football manager, my agents, and people like Henry Natty around me have been helping me a lot.
"My family, my mum, we talk, I talk to them every day, and they give me this confidence that you can do it. It’s going to get better.”
Adugbe also draws strength from her Ex-club president, back in Nigeria Barr. Paul Edeh, who advises her to “stay humble and always humble.”
Reflecting on her journey from Nnamdi Azikwe Airport in Nigeria to Napoli, she reminds herself:
Would I want to jeopardize this opportunity? I would tell myself no, and then pick up myself again and keep going.
Olamide Adugbe
A Message for Napoli and Victor Osimhen
As she adjusts to her new club, Adugbe has a simple message for Napoli and its star player Victor Osimhen, who is on loan at Turkish club, Galatasaray.
“Ever since I stepped into Napoli, I know I am yet to score a goal,” she says, “but I just want to give a short message to him: the glory continues. That’s my theme for my stay in Napoli… now or whenever, the glory continues.”
Though Osimhen’s success did not directly influence her decision to join Napoli, Adugbe finds inspiration in his journey, hoping to bring similar success to Napoli Femminile.
Overcoming Early Season Challenges
For Adugbe and Napoli Femminile, this season has presented its own set of hurdles. Currently eighth in the standings, the team is working hard to improve, particularly in finding the back of the net.
“The most challenging part of this season is being eighth on the table and not scoring many goals as a team,” Adugbe shares.
“For me personally, it’s fitting into a system that is way, way different from the Nigerian game. You need to learn the movement, the timing, the tactics… It’s something I have been working on, and I’m thankful to God.”
The solution, she believes, lies in teamwork and consistency. “Napoli Femminile, as a team, we just have to stay focused, stay compact, stay as a family, and get more wins.”
Personal Goals and Ambitions for the Season
This season, Adugbe is committed to maximizing every opportunity and improving her skills to help the team.
“Personally, I just want to take responsibility for every moment I’m on the pitch, create opportunities, score goals, help the team,” she says.
To enhance her game, she studies matches and seeks new strategies.
I try to watch so many games, I try to learn so many things that can improve my game.
Olamide Adugbe
Preparing for a Potential Super Falcons’ Call-Up
As a regular in her time with the Nigerian U-20 women's side, Adugbe dreams of an official Super Falcons call-up, a prospect she holds close to her heart.
“Representing the country in an official game is a top priority to me,” she says, adding that it would be “a dream come true.”
To prepare, she’s focused on building her teamwork, leadership, and goal-scoring abilities.
“At every point of my life, every day of my life, as a striker, I want to improve… Teamwork and being a leader, just being me and having more confidence.”
Strength and Resilience for Nigeria
If given the chance to play for the Super Falcons, Adugbe is ready to bring the fierce strength and determination that define Nigerian players.
“I always wanted to do my best, putting on the jersey and playing for the badge,” she says. “Strength and resilience, never giving up… I see myself in the next few years growing. I never want to stop growing, moving up, and achieving so many things in football and outside football.”
Though she supports Barcelona, her “dream club” would be to play for Chelsea. However, her focus remains on hard work and resilience, knowing that each step is taking her closer to her aspirations.
Giving Back: Adugbe’s Ultimate Dream Achievement
For Adugbe, the pinnacle of success goes beyond personal accolades; she aspires to make a difference in the lives of others.
“I know what it took me to get to this level, and achievement in football is becoming a good player and giving back to the younger ones and to the less privileged. That would be my greatest achievement.”
With a bright future ahead, Olamide Adugbe is focused on making her mark on the pitch where Victor Osimhen shone brighter than a thousand stars.
A continuation from where the clinical forward stopped while inspiring those around her.
Gbemidepo Popoola, is a freelance Sport Journalist with multiple years of experience in Writing, Reportage and Broadcasting. Gbemidepo's major concentration is telling the local Nigerian Sporting stories, in its own Unique way. This is because he believes, "no one, can tell our story better than ourselves".