The Story of Adam Idah: An Irish-Nigerian Rooted in Family Strength

Adam Idah’s rise to football stardom is a story deeply rooted in family, resilience, and unwavering support. Born to a Nigerian father, Sunday Idah, and an Irish mother, Fiona Hayes, Adam’s early life was filled with both challenges and love. When his parents separated, the family’s journey took a different turn. Adam and his brother, Brandon, were raised by their mother, Fiona, in a household strengthened by the presence of his maternal grandparents, Kevin and Kathleen Hayes.

Kevin, in particular, became a cornerstone of Adam’s development, nurturing his passion for football. With his grandfather’s guidance and the steadfast support of his family, Adam was able to focus on honing his skills and chasing his dream of becoming a professional footballer. This story highlights how the love and commitment of a family can shape the future of a young talent, laying the foundation for what would become a remarkable journey in football.

Preamble:

From an early age, Adam was encouraged to engage in various physical activities like sprinting, Gaelic games, and football. Kevin Hayes, a sports enthusiast, laid the foundation for his grandson’s physical and mental development, preparing him for the competitive world of football. Alongside his childhood friend Jaze Kabia, Idah honed his skills on the pitch, dreaming of one day playing at the highest level.

Though Kevin Hayes didn’t live to see his grandson achieve his footballing dreams, his legacy lives on in every step Adam takes on the field. Adam’s rise is a story of resilience, family support, and the enduring impact of a grandfather’s wisdom and encouragement.

Overlooking the goal records of the forward powerhouse, our account of Adam Idah’s biography is a detailed piece about his African origin. Including facts about his parents- his father, Sunday Idah, his mother, Fiona Hayes, and his brother Brandon- as well as family origin, ethnicity, education, and religion.

The photo gallery shows us a trajectory in his career, giving us a sneak peek at his climb to stardom. It shows how much work the Irish-born has put into becoming who he is today in football.

Adam Idah Childhood Story:

For Biography starters, his nickname is King Benzi. Adam Uche Idah debuted on planet Earth on the 11th of February 2001 to his parents- his mother, Fiona Hayes, and his father, Sunday Idah, in Ireland.

The centre forward is the first child of two boys in his mother and father’s marital union. Before advancing further in the narration of the tale of the lad with African ancestry’s story, we present to you one of Adam Idah’s parents. Fiona and her family put all their hopes and dreams into ensuring her son’s career was a success.

Formative Years:

Adam Idah was born in Cork, one of the largest cities in Ireland. With his family- his father, Sunday, his mother, Fiona, and his only brother, Brandon- life was in perfect harmony. Moreover, it was more interesting as the young lad grew up learning about his African ancestry from his dad while loving the Irish part of his mother.

However, Adam Idah’s family unity came crashing down when his parent went their separate ways. With this new situation, the aspiring footballer and his brother Brandon were left with Fiona, who became a single mother. Unable to cater for the kids alone, she enlisted the help of the ones who always had her back- her parents.

Adam Idah’s grandparents, Kevin Hayes and Kathleen Hayes, played a significant role in his upbringing. They took on the responsibility of caring for their grandson. Thus providing him with a stable and loving environment in his father’s absence. During his frequent visits to ‘Nan’s house’ (as he affectionately calls his grandparents), he met his childhood friend Jaze Kabia. The two shared a passion for football and often spent their days on the pitch, dreaming of making it to the big leagues someday.

Growing-Up Years:

Adam Idah’s grandfather was the one who planted the seed for sport in him. Kevin Hayes encouraged his grandson to go into anything related to physical activities. Maybe it was because he was also a sports fanatic. Thus, the forward joined racing, sprinting, long jump, hurling and Gaelic.

The multi-talented lad was even among the community games at the national finals in Athlone several times. All these activities aimed to build his grandson’s form as he began his football journey. It must have been pointless and tasking to the young lad then, but he followed Grandpa Kevin’s wisdom.

Eventually, the continuous sprinting helped Adam to be able to shoot a ball with either his left or right foot, even when in motion. It was delightful and a joy that Adam Idah’s grandfather was there to provide all the developmental training his favourite grandson needed. However, Kevin Hayes didn’t live to see the work of his hand bear its fruit before sadly passing away, much to the sorrow of the one who adores him.

Adam Idah Family Background:

Life was easy to manage when the family was united, with husband and wife playing their duties. However, things tilted to a side when Adam Idah’s father left the home and never returned. And so only one income came from the hands of Fiona Hayes, who couldn’t navigate easily with the household on her shoulders.

Fortunately, Adam Idah’s grandparents stepped in to ease the burden. At the same time, Kevin Hayes took the fatherly role in the absence of Sunday Idah (Adam’s father), his wife Kathleen’s card for the family with her daughter Fiona. It was a relief to the single mother as she focused on her younger son, Brandon.

However, much to the wisdom of Adam Idah’s grandfather, he saw the need to not just care for his child’s kids but to prepare them for the future. And so began the football journey of the aspiring forward, taking into consideration his fitness and skills and, in the times ahead, his finances as well.

Adam Idah Family Origin:

The ancestry of the Forward Powerhouse has been a curious topic among his fans, so we will carefully explain that mystery to you. Firstly, Adam Idah’s father is from Nigeria in the West African part of the world. Sunday Idah (his dad) is from the Ndiagu Achara community in Ikwo LGA in Ebonyi State, with its capital in Abakaliki.

The village of Ndiagu Achara is 44 mins away from the state capital. Ebonyi State, situated in Nigeria’s Southeast geopolitical zone, is predominantly inhabited by the Igbo ethnic group. It’s a state where salt is produced on a large scale, making it one of the largest salt producers in Nigeria. These unique aspects of Adam Idah’s father’s birthplace seal his Nigerian lineage for the footballer.

Mother’s origin:

Adam Idah was born in Cork, also his mother’s birthplace. Cork is where Fiona Hayes’s family, with Adam’s grandparents, Kevin and Kathleen, has lived all their lives. Aside from being one of the largest cities in Ireland, it is also the birthplace of Caoimhin Kelleher and Roy Keane. As well as Declan Rice‘s grandparent’s hometown. At the same time, Chiedozie Ogbene spent the late part of his life in Cork after moving from Lagos, Nigeria, in 2005 at eight years old.

Ethnicity:

Since Adam Idah’s father is Nigerian and his mother is Irish, he comes from two different racial backgrounds. Thus, with his dual heritage, the forward is biracial like Tammy Abraham and Bukayo Saka.

Adam Idah Schooling Years:

With the loving direction of Adam Idah’s grandfather, the young boy was enrolled in the Douglas Community School, also known as Douglas Com, The Com or DCS. The learning centre is an all-boys only in Douglas, Cork, Ireland—only a few kilometres from where the rookie footballer lived with his family.

While in school, his physical activities didn’t stop, as Adam was very involved in sports. As a boys-only school, they were open to all athletic pursuits. Thankfully, it didn’t disrupt his learning process while attending his football training centre.

However, the continual training was a preamble to his success and helped him shape his character. In addition, the encouragement from his school, his grandfather, and other family members was a bedrock foundation.

Family Life:

A household is likened to a tree that grows regularly with the proper nutrients. Adam Idah’s family is like a twig. Even if it falls off, another can replace it. Without one person in the home, it didn’t stop functioning. Instead, the remaining members put all hands on deck, pulled their resources and made the Irish Sharpshooter what he has become today. So, in this section, we reveal more details about the kins in the lineage.

About Adam Idah’s Father:

There is no record showing Sunday Idah’s passing away from Mother Earth. Thus, we can’t conclude that the forward’s father is late. Neither do we know the complete details about the man who is the dad to the Irish footballer. Nonetheless, we know that his absence left a vacuum in the little boy’s heart then and even now as an adult.

Irrespective of the current situation between father and son, we are sure that the Nigerian parent is proud of his child’s success. Wherever Adam Idah’s dad is on earth, he is beaming with all smiles at how responsible his first child with Fiona has become.

About Adam Idah’s Mother:

Fiona Hayes was the one who put her foot down to care for her children. Despite the pain she must have felt when her husband was no longer with her, she didn’t take it out on her two boys. Instead, they became a source of comfort for her aching heart. And when Adam Idah’s mother couldn’t handle the pressure of caring only for their needs, the Ireland-born lady searched for her parent’s help.

It shows her beautiful relationship with Adam Idah’s grandparents to return when the load is too much. Did Fiona regret that decision? It was almost the best choice she had made for her kids. Not only did that fill the emptiness of his father leaving, but it also made him available to the wisdom Kevin and his wife Kathleens poured on her first child.

About Adam Idah’s Grandfather:

Grandpa Kevin Hayes is not only a good father but a loving grandfather. His love for his children extended to their kids, and he treated them with more care and love. In his infinite foresight of how the future can be uncertain, he prepared Adam ahead for the challenges. The continual physical activities put him in good form and added a little length to his lifestyle through a healthy regimen.

Although Adam Idah’s grandfather passed on before his favourite son got his professional contract, he would be pleased with his results. It is just like how Marc Guiu‘s grandpa inspired his football journey—showing the wisdom that comes with the people who had lived long before their grandbabies went into the world. In a nutshell, Kevin lived vicariously through Adam, fulfilling his lifelong goal.

About Adam Idah’s Grandmother:

While her husband was shaping Adam to be one of the best athletes, Kathleen Hayes also showed her undivided love for him, In addition to caring for the needs of Fiona and her other son, Brandon. As she is affectionately called, Nan was a blessing, tending to his aching muscles after his grandfather had sored them with workout routines.

Adam found his second home in his grandmother’s arms, where her soft touch and soothing tone provided a haven. Nestled in her embrace, listening to the stories of her youth, was a melody that always brought joy to his heart. Kathleen was indeed the universe’s way of filling the void left by his father’s absence with love.

About Adam Idah’s Brother:

Brandon Idah is the only company that has kept the home lively for the Celtic Prodigy. He followed his brother’s footsteps and chose the athletic path to form his career. Although younger than Adam, they share an unbreakable sibling bond and immensely enjoy each other’s company. Soon, just like the Irish finisher in the sports world, Brandon would become a big name in football.

It would be thrilling to see the Idah brothers join the league of soccer brothers like Inaki Williams, Nico Williams, Eden, Thorgan, and Kylian Hazard. Brandon is on track to become a household name in football. It’s also possible that his career path might lead him to become a certified FIFA agent, similar to Morgan Rogers’ sibling.

Adam Idah’s Early Football Career:

The Irish footballer’s journey in football began with College Corinthians in 2007 when he was six years old. According to the testimonies of his coaches, young Adam was a great competitor, and he was multi-talented in hurling and Gaelic football. And all these trainings made him physically stronger than most kids his age.

By the age of eleven, Adam Idah had already demonstrated his exceptional skills, being able to strike the ball with precision from a distance of twenty to twenty-five yards with either foot. Over the course of ten years, he played a pivotal role in his team’s success, helping them secure three trophies, including a league and cup double and a league title. His goal-scoring ability was particularly noteworthy, with him netting an impressive 30 to 40 goals in a single season.

After his time in College Corinthians, Adam joined Norwich City as a scholar in 2017. In the first season, in the 17/18 year, the striker joined the under-18 unit with nine goals in the 15 games he appeared in. While also scoring a hat trick against Barnsley and Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Youth Cup. Idah’s immense performance won him Norwich Under 18 Player of the Season and of the Year awards.

Adam Idah’s value to the team was quickly recognized, leading to his promotion to the under-23 squad in the following season. His rapid progression through the reserve team was a testament to his talent and hard work. This culminated in him signing his first professional contract with the main unit on the 1st of July 2019, a significant milestone in his career.

Journey to Sucess:

After being in 100 games and scoring 12 goals, on the 1st of February 2024, he left the Championship for the Scottish League with Celtic (SkySport reports). Adam was on a loan transfer, but after helping them win the 2024 Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park against Rangers, he returned for a permanent contract. On the 14th of August, the Irish sharpshooter became a fixed club member.

With his dual heritage as a Nigerian and Irishman, he is eligible to represent either country. However, he leaned towards his birth city. Adam went with Ireland’s youth level in January 2020 and joined the senior team in August of the same year. He joined them in the UEFA Nations League and scored his first goal in June 2023. So far, the son of the soil has been valuable to his national squad. And the rest is history, they said.

Personality:

Adam Idah works by the rule: you work hard to play hard. On the pitch, he is twice the footballer. He is reviewing the board to prove himself to the coaches and fans. The prolific striker maintains the same stamina when off work by going on vacations and having parties with his loved ones. The Nigerian centre forward is also a fashion lover, always rocking his radiating attires that suit his well-toned body.

The Aquarius zodiac player shares the same sign as Cristiano Ronaldo, Gianluigi Buffon, and Neymar. Apart from enjoying water rides, Adam also spends time with his family. Although we know that if his grandfather, Kevin, had been alive, they would have reaped the reward of their hard work together. Despite the growth in his financial life, the Celtic striker is humble and doesn’t live an extravagant lifestyle.

Untold Facts:

This section explains Adam Idah’s biography and what makes him your favourite footballer.

Adam Idah’s Religion:

As per reports, Ireland, where the Celtic prodigy was born, is a Christian country. More than 70 per cent of the people were Catholics, and the rest of the rating was shared among other religions. And seeing that his name, Adam, was after the first man in the bible shows that his parents were religious. However, we will stick with this opinion since there is no alternative contradiction.

Adam Idah’s FIFA Profile:

The goal architect has a 73 per cent score with the capacity to get to a 79 rating. With Adam Idah’s acceleration, sprinting speed, agility, and jumping, we are sure he will reach the number predicted by Sofifa. Here’s the chart drawn by FIFA, whose stats are a mix of attributes possessed by Liam Delap (son of the legendary Rory Delap), Leonardo Campana and Inaki Williams.

End Note:

Adam Uche Idah was born on the 11th of February 2001 to his parents- his mother, Fiona Hayes, and his father, Sunday Idah, in Ireland. The centre forward is the first child of two boys in his mother and father’s marital union.

Adam Idah’s grandparents, Kevin Hayes and Kathleen Hayes, played a significant role in his upbringing. They took on the responsibility of caring for their grandson. Thus providing him with a stable and loving environment in his father’s absence. During his frequent visits to ‘Nan’s house’ (as he affectionately calls his grandparents), he met his childhood friend Jaze Kabia. The two shared a passion for football and often spent their days on the pitch, dreaming of making it to the big leagues someday.

The Irish footballer’s journey in football began with College Corinthians when he was six years old. After his time in College Corinthians, Adam joined Norwich City as a scholar in 2017. Idah’s immense performance won him Norwich Under 18 Player of the Season and of the Year awards. On the 1st of February 2024, he left the Championship for the Scottish League with Celtic first on loan before being a permanent teammate.

Appreciation:

We are thankful for earnestly reading through the end of Adam Idah’s biography. Our primary concern is to bring you articles about your favourite players with truth and detailed facts. You also find Teemu Pukki, Ángel Correa, and Samu Omorodion‘s profiles fascinating.