When Bolajoko Oredein welcomed her son, Michael Obafemi, six months into the new millennium, the joy in her household was immense—a feeling that perhaps a future star had been born. Little did they know that this moment would mark the beginning of a promising journey. Shortly after his birth, Bolajoko and her family made the pivotal decision to move from Dublin to London. This relocation set the stage for Michael to embrace his football destiny.
Growing up in London, Michael was immersed in a football-rich environment, sharing his love for the game with his older brother, Afolabi Obafemi, who also pursued a career in football. The two brothers were driven by their passion for the sport, and Michael, in particular, began to make a name for himself as a talented forward.
Though Michael Obafemi, now representing the Republic of Ireland, has yet to fully reach the heights of his career, his journey is filled with promise. His story is not only one of football but also one of his rich Nigerian heritage and family values, which have shaped him into the player and person he is today.
Without further ado, let’s dive into the life of Michael Obafemi, uncovering the challenges, triumphs, and cultural influences that have shaped his path in football.
Proud Nigerian Descent: Michael Obafemi’s Football Journey Uncovered
Michael Obafemi Childhood Story:
For Biography starters, he is nicknamed “Mica.” Michael Oluwadurotimi Obafemiwas was born on the 6th day of July 2000 in the capital city of Dublin, Ireland. The Irish footballer was born to his mother, Ms Bolajoko Oredein, and to a little-known father.
Michael Obafemi Family Origin:
First and foremost, the striker is a bona fide citizen of Ireland. However, the results of research carried out to determine Michael Obafemi’s family origins indicate that he is of Yoruba ethnicity.
This ethnic group dominates most parts of western Nigeria. By implication, Michael Obafemi’s parents are Africans and of Nigerian roots. The footballer himself is Irish and has Nigerian blood flowing through his veins.
Growing-Up Years:
Did you know that the football genius was still very young when his father and mother moved to England?
It was in the country that a 4-year-old Obafemi began playing football with his older brother Afolabi Obafemi.
“We regularly did play football outside my house on the concrete. Our practice include kicking balls against our neighbour’s fence until we get a telling off,”
Notes the striker of his early beginnings in football.
Michael Obafemi Family Background:
The truth is, he didn’t come from a super-rich family but that of a middle-class. While in England, Michael Obafemi’s parents took up residence at Chingford.
The area is a suburban district in North East London. Michael Obafemi’s dad and mum did ensure that he was well taken care of. Thus, he grew up happy, like most kids in the North East London neighbourhood.
Family Life:
Having a supporting household has no doubt been the biggest driving force of motivation in the life of the Irish footballer.
Here, We bring you facts about Michael Obafemi’s parents and siblings. We will also outline facts about his ancestry. Now, let’s begin.
About Michael Obafemi’s Parents:
First but not least, not much is known about Obafemi Michael’s dad. However, we do know that his mom, Ms Bolajoko Oredein is one of his biggest fans.
She has always been there for the striker and was present to watch him make his senior debut for the Ireland national team when he was only 18 years of age.
What’s more? Bolajoko Oredein makes it a point of duty to come for every one of her son’s games, regardless of whether he is on the bench or not.
About Michael Obafemi’s Siblings:
Afolabi Obafemi is the striker’s brother. They grew up playing football together and were both at Leyton Orient youth ranks before their careers took different directions.
Afolabi’s career is a less illustrious one. He majorly played in lower leagues before landing at Wingate & Finchley in the Isthmian League Premier Division. Here is Afolabi Obafemi.
Meet Michael Obafemi’s brother Afolabi.
About Michael Obafemi’s Relatives:
Away from the striker’s immediate family, details of his ancestry can be traced to Nigeria and not Ireland.
This is particularly as it relates to his maternal and paternal grandparents. In addition, Obafemi’s uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews and nieces.
Football Story:
When the time was right, the destiny of the football enthusiast began calling. Back then, Michael Obafemi’s parents deemed it necessary to give his passion a productive direction. As such, they saw to his enrollment for training at boyhood club – Ryan FC in Chingford.
Early Years with Chelsea, Arsenal and Watford:
The youngster’s development at Chingford was rapid, such that he went on to spend other periods of his career buildup in a variety of football academies. The academies include Chelsea, Arsenal and Watford. Like Declan Rice, French rising star Michael Olise, and Jamal Musiala, not many people are aware that Michael Obafemi was once a player in Chelsea’s academy.
Michael Obafemi Childhood Story- He built up his career at a number of football academies.
At the peak of Obafemi’s youth career at Watford, the footballer is known to have found the back of the net 11 times in a single match. Thereafter, he was released by the club at the young age of 14.
Road to Success:
After the football prodigy’s release from Watford, he took a year out of the big game in order to reflect on whether he really wanted football as a career sport or not.
He did also think of a number of career paths he could tread if football didn’t go well. As loving as they are, Michael Obafemi’s parents were there to console him at that trying time of his life.
Upon making his decision, the 15-year-old sat with his mom to share his plans for the future with her. Obafemi’s mom gave him her full support, urging him to give 100% of his efforts to the sport. Thanks to parental advice, the Irish footballer went back to his old hobby.
Michael Obafemi Bio – Rise To Fame:
It wasn’t long before the football prodigy joined Leyton Orient in 2015 for a one-year stint. He later signed for Southampton in 2016.
He went on to make his professional debut for the Saints in January 2018 during a 1–1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.
With his debut, Michael Obafemi became the second-youngest player to make an EPL appearance for Southampton, following in the footsteps of Man United Legend Luke Shaw, whose age was 17 years and 116 days at the time of his debut.
In December 2018, Michael Obafemi etched his name in the record books as Southampton’s youngest Premier League scorer, netting his first goal in a 3–1 victory over Huddersfield. This milestone marked the beginning of his rise in football, and he has since gained a reputation for scoring against top clubs. One of his most memorable moments came when he dashed Manchester United’s hopes of securing third place in the league after the 2019/2020 COVID-19 football restart.
We’ve taken you through his journey, from his early days to the moment he became a recognized talent. Known for his relentless work ethic, much like fellow Irishman Aaron Connolly, Michael Obafemi continually shows fans that he has what it takes to thrive both at club level, where he currently plays for Plymouth Argyle in 2024, and on the international stage.
It’s only a matter of time before he becomes a regular starter, with big clubs vying for his signature. The future looks bright for this talented forward, and as they say, the rest is history.
Personality:
Let’s move on to “Mica’s” life outside training and tormenting defenders. Did you know that there is a consensus whenever friends, family and teammates are asked to describe his persona?
They attest to the fact that Obafemi is a likeable person who is creative, resilient, emotionally intelligent and ambitious, like individuals whose Zodiac sign is Cancer. He enjoys swimming, traveling, watching movies, and spending quality time with family and friends, along with a variety of other interests and hobbies.
Michael Obafemi Facts:
Our write-up on “Mica” (his nickname) will be imperfect if we don’t fulfil the requirements of this heading. As such, we bring you a few facts about the striker with the aim of helping you get a complete picture of him.
Trivia:
Only a few persons are aware of the fact that Obafemi’s birth year – 2000, is significant for a number of technological events.
The World’s largest Ferris Wheel or Observation Wheel (The London Eye) was opened in 2000. It was also the same year that the Dot Com Bubble burst, and thousands of DotComs went bust.
Michael Obafemi Religion:
Obafemi is a Christian. In fact, a visit to his Instagram page will convince you that he is a believer, particularly when you view a video of the striker’s skill set compilation.
The caption of the video is a popular bible verse that reads – “I can do all things through him who gives me strength.”
Conclusion:
We strive for accuracy and fairness in our routine of delivering you Irish Football Stories. Surely, the Life History of Roy Keane and Evan Ferguson will excite you. Let’s not forget Chiedozie Ogbene.
We have no doubt that his life story has given you lessons on the need to give your all to whatever you are passionate about. Did you come across any inaccurate or unfair sentences in the course of perusal? If so, please contact us or leave a message in the comment box.
