When learning about Simi Awujo, one of the most frequently asked questions revolves around her Nigerian heritage. But there’s more to her story than just her African roots. Did you know Simi was also eligible to play for the United States, as she was born there? Nigeria, where both of her parents, Akinwole and Shola Okuwa-Awujo, were born, is another part of her identity. However, she represents Canada, her mother’s home country and where she found her path in soccer.
This biography delves into the inspiring journey of Simi Awujo, a Canadian soccer player whose story is defined by ambition, resilience, and cultural pride. From a young girl with dreams of playing soccer at just seven years old, Simi’s life reflects the influence of her middle-class upbringing and the values instilled by her family. Her rise in the world of soccer is not just a tale of her athletic skill but one of deep personal growth, a celebration of her identity, and the pursuit of dreams.
Few fans have explored the full narrative of Simi Awujo’s life, making her biography a truly captivating read. So, without further ado, let’s dive into her story, one that embodies grace, determination, and the power of perseverance on and off the field.
Soccer Meets Heritage: Simi Awujo’s Multinational Roots and Canadian Dream
Simi Awujo’s Childhood Story:
For Biography starters, the Canadian Midfielder is fondly called Simi Sweetie by her mother, Shola Okuwa-Awujo. Her Full Name is Simisola Feyishayo Awujo.
The Nigerian-Canadian Athlete was born on the 23rd of September 2003 to her Mother, Shola Okuwa-Awujo, and Father, Akinwole Awujo, in Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America.
The Canadian soccer player arrived as the second and last child out of two siblings. All children were born to the marital union between their Dad, Akinwole Awujo, and Mum, Shola Okuwa-Awujo.
Now, let’s tell you more about Simi Awujo’s Parents. Akinwole Awujo and Shola Okuwa-Awujo continue to show us that a Dad and Mum need to fill a child’s bucket of self-esteem so the rest of the world can’t poke holes to drain it dry.
Growing-Up Years:
Although Simi Awujo was born in the United States, she plays for the Canadian national team.
Simi grew up in a small Yoruba family with the Christian faith and shared her childhood with her elder brother, Jide Awujo.
As expected, Simi was closer to her brother, which is usually the case in every two-sibling household.
Simi Awujo Early Life:
The Canadian rising superstar’s love for football began at a young age when she started playing at seven. Her older brother, also a footballer, played a significant role in introducing her to the sport and serving as a practice partner.
Together, they would spend hours on the field, honing their skills and developing their passion for the game. Simi Awujo’s dedication to football grew stronger as the years went by, and it became clear that she had a natural talent for the sport.
Seeing their daughter’s potential, Simi Awujo’s parents enrolled her in AFC Lightning, a football club known for fostering young talent in a supportive environment. There, she honed her skills under the guidance of experienced coaches, who helped sharpen her technique and tactical understanding. In this nurturing setting, she flourished, rapidly rising through the ranks and earning a fast reputation as a promising young star in the world of soccer.
Throughout her early life, Simi Awujo’s parents supported her football aspirations. They recognized her passion for the sport and encouraged her to pursue it wholeheartedly.
Their unwavering support gave her the motivation and confidence to continue pushing herself and striving for excellence.
Thanks to their encouragement, the subject was able to develop her skills and ultimately achieve her dream of becoming an international footballer.
Simi Awujo’s Family Background:
The right-footed soccer player comes from a family that values sports and physical activity. Her elder brother is also a footballer, and their shared love of the sport helped to foster a competitive spirit and a deep appreciation for the value of teamwork.
Growing up in this sports-loving environment significantly shaped the subject’s passion for football and her drive to succeed.
Despite coming from a middle-class home, Simi Awujo’s parents gave her all the support she needed to pursue her dreams.
Her Father is a medical doctor, and her mother is a pharmacist, and their careers allowed them to provide for their family and invest in their children’s future. Their dedication to their children’s success is evident in their support of Simi’s football career.
In addition to their professional accomplishments, Akinwole Awujo and Shola Okuwa-Awujo raised their children in a Christian home. Their faith played an important role in shaping their values and worldview, and they instilled in their children a sense of moral responsibility and purpose.
This upbringing provided a strong foundation for Simi Awujo’s personal and professional growth and helped to shape her into the determined and resilient person she is today.
Simi Awujo has been blessed with a close-knit and supportive family. Her parents have been a constant source of encouragement and inspiration, providing her with the love, guidance, and resources she needed to achieve her goals.
Their unwavering support has been instrumental in her success, and she remains deeply grateful for their endless love and encouragement.
Family Life:
The Canadian goal scorer is private about her life and keeps her business off the spotlight as much as possible.
She rarely speaks about anything outside her career as a footballer. But her family is an important part of her life; they all play essential roles professionally and privately.
About Simi Awujo’s Father:
Dr Akinwole Awujo is a proud Dad who plays the supportive role of being both a mentor and advisor for his children.
The proud Dad of two supports Simi’s football aspirations and is always ready to provide for the needs of his soon-to-be superstar daughter.
Dr Akinwole is a medical doctor born in Idanre, Ondo State, Nigeria. Through his involvement in Simi Awujo’s career, she does not feel alone because her Father is always there for her.
About Simi Awujo’s Mother:
Shola Okuwa-Awujo is a proper Yoruba woman and the mother of the young football sensation.
She was born in Canada, which makes Simi eligible to play for Canada. Shola Okuwa-Awujo studied pharmacy in school and is a professional in her field.
Yet, she does not let her professional commitments stop her from providing for her children and cheering them on when they need it the most.
Her words of encouragement have continued to inspire Simi, which has made her maintain a level of humility. In fact, Shola Okuwa-Awujo is a testament to the importance of family support in the lives of rising young female footballers.
About Simi Awujo Sibling:
They say that siblings are the people we practice on, who teach us about fairness, cooperation, kindness, and caring. Simi Awujo has only one sibling, her loving brother Jide Awujo.
Only a little information is publicly available about Jide. The Awujo siblings have decided to live a private life away from the media’s attention.
However, there is no denying that these siblings love and respect each other.
About Brother Jide Awujo:
The Canadian Midfielder is Jide’s younger sister, who happens to be her only sibling. They both grew together as best friends.
As footballers, they play soccer and have fun training together. They also discuss and practice together if they see something in each other’s game that could be done differently or better.
Jide Awujo plays as Number 16 and a forward for Villanova University’s Wildcats football team.
He was described as having the ability to play multiple positions for his team. It is evident football skills run in the family.
Simi Awujo Grandparents
Every family needs their grandparents to make their homes lively, and Simi Sweetie, as her mother calls her, is not an exception.
Back then, they took turns with Simi Awujo’s parents to care for her and her brother Jide Awujo.
Simi Awujo Family Origin:
Akinwole Awujo and his wife, Shola Okuwa-Awujo, are Nigerians, but their places of birth differ. Because of this, Simi is a citizen of three countries.
The Father of Simi, Akinwole Awujo, was born in Nigeria while her mother, Shola Okuwa-Awujo, was born in Canada, but Simi was born in Atlanta, Georgia. So, by birth, Simi is a United States citizen.
Interestingly, Georgia is known as the peach state and the birthplace of the famous Martin Luther King.
The American-born football player shares the exact birthplace with other female soccer athletes like Kelley Maureen O’Hara, Kristen Meier, and Ana Maria Diaz Rose.
Simi Awujo Ethnicity:
The right-footed female football player joins Asisat Oshoala and Rasheedat Ajibade, who are of Yoruba ethnicity, with parents hailing from Yoruba land in Nigeria. Her Father is from Idanre, a town in Ondo State, Nigeria.
The Yoruba people are one of the major ethnic groups in Nigeria, comprising approximately 21% of the population.
Their rich and diverse culture has a unique history and traditions that have endured for centuries. The Yoruba language is one of the major languages spoken in Nigeria and is widely used in various parts of West Africa.
In recent years, the number of Yoruba people abroad has increased, with an estimated 153,259 living in the United States alone.
Despite being born and raised in a Yoruba household, it is unknown if Simi Awujo speaks other languages besides English.
As a talented footballer, she has proven her skills on the field and has become a role model for aspiring female athletes from all backgrounds.
Her Yoruba heritage and upbringing undoubtedly significantly shaped her identity and influenced her approach to the game.
Simi Awujo’s Education:
The international female footballer attended Woodward Academy, a prestigious private school in Georgia founded in 1900. She started attending the school in 2009 and remained there until her graduation in 2021.
Throughout her time at Woodward, Simi Awujo was a brilliant student who excelled in her studies and demonstrated a natural aptitude for learning.
After graduating from Woodward, the American-born athlete was admitted to the University of Southern California in July 2021. She is studying Computer Science and Business Administration and is on track to graduate in December 2024.
Despite her success as a professional footballer, education was never a plan B for Simi Awujo – she has always been passionate about learning and is happy to pursue her studies.
In addition to her academic pursuits, the right-footed scorer plays football for her school’s team, the USC Trojans. She continues to demonstrate her skills on the field, scoring goals and contributing to the team’s success.
As a good student and a terrific footballer, Simi Awujo is a true example of someone committed to pursuing their passions and achieving their goals in the classroom and on the field.
Career Buildup:
Simi Awujo’s love of football started at a young age, and it quickly became apparent that she had a natural talent for the sport.
Her parents recognized her potential and enrolled her in the AFC Lightning, a local football club that provides young players with a supportive and thriving environment to develop their skills.
It was here that the American-born footballer was able to hone her abilities on the field and further develop her passion for the game.
Playing with the AFC Lightning was crucial in Simi Awujo’s career buildup, and it helped her develop her football skills and gain valuable experience competing against other young players.
With the support of her parents and coaches, the subject flourished and became a standout player on the field. Her time with AFC Lightning played a crucial role in building the foundation of her successful football career. Simi remains deeply grateful for the opportunities and experiences the club gave her, shaping her into the player she is today.
Simi Awujo’s Biography – Football Story:
The midfielder’s football story began when she joined the AFC Lightning Academy in Peachtree, Georgia, Atlanta, USA. The academy provided her with an excellent foundation for developing her football skills.
She would practice with her brother, a footballer, and they would work together to improve their techniques and abilities on the field.
Later, Simi Awujo joined NASA Tophat, another football academy in Kennesaw, Georgia, Atlanta, USA. The academy is dedicated to providing opportunities for its players to compete at the highest level and develop their skills.
While it is not known precisely how the American-born athlete performed during her time at these academies, it is clear that they helped to hone her soccer-playing skills further and provided her with valuable experience.
Throughout her time in these academies, she was dedicated to improving her abilities on the field.
She practised regularly with her brother and took every opportunity to learn from her coaches and teammates.
Her parents were also instrumental in her success, ensuring she was at every training session and cheering her on from the sidelines.
Overall, the subject’s time in these football academies helped to shape her into the successful footballer she is today.
They provided her with the skills, experience, and support she needed to excel on the field and pursue her passion for the game.
Road to Fame Story:
The turning point in Simi Awujo’s soccer career happened when she was nominated to represent the United States in the U-17 Fifa tournament in 2019. At age 16, she was off to a good start.
Soon after that, the Canadian soccer player earned her first Canada Call-Up, where she represented Canada in the 2022 international match.
Before being called up by Canada, she started playing for the USC Trojans when she got into college in 2021. This United States soccer team represents the University of Southern California.
During her first season with the team, she scored her first goal against the Western Michigan Broncos and was named to the All-Freshman Team of the Pacific-12, also known as Pac-12.
She was named to the soccer Academic All-District team and the All-Pac-12 First Team All-Star in her sophomore year. So far, she has scored four goals and has made 31 appearances.
Simi Awujo Biography – Rise to Fame Story:
The rise to fame of this talented footballer is nothing short of impressive. It all started on the 5th of September, 2021, during her freshman year at USC Trojans, when she scored a goal against the Western Michigan Broncos.
This goal propelled her to be named to the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team. Her dedication to the game and hard work paid off, and she was quickly making a name for herself in soccer.
As a sophomore, she continued to shine and was named to the All-Pac 12 First Team All-Star, a remarkable feat for any young player.
Her impressive academic performance also earned her a spot on the Academic All-District Team, showing that she was talented not only in the field but also in the classroom.
Her dedication to her studies and her craft are an inspiration to many young people.
In January 2022, she was selected for the 2022 CONCAF Women’s U-20 Championship and did not disappoint. She played with passion, skill, and determination, leading her team to win a bronze medal.
Simi Awujo’s performances did not go unnoticed, and on the 3rd of September, 2022, she was called up to join the Canadian National Team, a great honour for any footballer.
That same year, she was named the Canadian Soccer Young Player of the Year, cementing her position as one of the most promising talents in soccer.
Just like Nichelle Prince, her rise to fame was not a coincidence. Awujo’s success comes from her relentless hard work, dedication, and undeniable talent, which earned her a spot in the Manchester United women’s team. There, she plays alongside standout talents like Geyse Ferreira and Ella Toone, further cementing her place among top players.
Simi Awujo’s Husband:
It is worth noting that the subject does not have a husband. While she values romantic relationships, she has chosen to focus on her personal and professional growth without the added responsibilities of marriage.
Children:
The Canadian Midfielder has no children. While she values family and relationships, she has chosen to focus on her career and personal life without the added responsibilities of parenthood.
Personal Life:
Simi Awujo is known for her active and social lifestyle; she loves spending time with friends whenever possible.
She enjoys exploring new places in Manchester, including trying new restaurants and engaging in outdoor activities such as camping and going to the beach with friends.
Her friends often describe her as outgoing and fun-loving, with a kind and somewhat quirky personality that makes her a joy to be around.
Despite her busy schedule, she always makes time for those closest to her and values the relationships she has built over the years.
As a Libra, Simi Awujo’s personality traits align with the zodiac sign’s reputation for being balanced and harmonious. She values fairness and justice and tends to see both sides of an argument.
Her love of beauty and aesthetics also aligns with the Libra sign, as she has a keen eye for design and enjoys surrounding herself with aesthetically pleasing things.
Simi Awujo’s lifestyle reflects her Libra personality traits in many ways. Her love of balance and harmony is evident in how she prioritizes her relationships while maintaining a disciplined approach to her career and personal life.
Her outgoing and fun-loving nature also aligns with the sign’s social and communicative tendencies, making her a natural at connecting with others and forging meaningful connections.
If you wonder if the American-born football player has a tattoo, the answer is No. She prefers to keep her body without ink, and this decision may change.
Lifestyle:
As an international footballer, she lives a busy and demanding life, but she is known for being disciplined and focused.
She maintains a rigorous training regimen to stay in peak physical condition and takes her diet and nutrition seriously.
However, she also understands the importance of balance and makes time for hobbies and social activities. She enjoys watching movies, spending time with friends and family and reading.
Her achievements on the field have given her financial independence, yet she remains humble and grounded. Simi continues to push herself, always aiming to improve and make a meaningful difference both in her sport and beyond.
Simi Awujo’s Car:
Despite being an international footballer and earning a substantial income, information about the subject’s car choice is limited. However, it is known that she values practicality and reliability over luxury and extravagance.
While some might expect her to drive a flashy sports car or a high-end luxury vehicle, the subject prioritizes functionality and efficiency over status symbols.
She is content with a car that gets her from point A to point B safely and reliably, allowing her to focus on her career and personal life without distractions.
Untold Facts:
In the concluding section of Simi Awujo’s Biography, we’ll unveil more facts you might need to know about her. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Simi Awujo Salary:
As I write this bio, the phenomenal Midfielder is still a college undergraduate and is not signed up for any club. But we are confident she earns enough money from her international football gigs.
Simi Awujo’s Religion:
The female footballer is a Christian who acknowledges that God plays a vital role in her life. Simi Awujo always has her Christian faith in mind, which has helped make her humble.
Simi Sweetie, fondly called by her mother, was born and raised by her grandparents in a devout Christian home which practices Christian values. Her birth country and ancestry home (America and Nigeria) are Christian countries.
EndNote:
Simi Awujo is a young American-Canadian footballer born on the 23rd of September 2003 in Atlanta, Georgia. She, like Sam Adekugbe (a popular Canadian soccer player), is a Nigerian. Research shows that Simi is of Yoruba descent and grew up in a middle-class Christian household with her brother, Jide Awujo.
Simi attended Woodward Academy from 2009 to 2021, where she began to develop her football skills. Her Father, Dr Akinwole, is a medical doctor, while her mother, Shola Okuwa-Awujo, is a pharmacist.
Journey to Fame:
Simi Awujo’s passion for football began at a young age, and she started playing at the age of 7. Since then, she has earned numerous awards and recognitions, and she first ran tracks before deciding to pursue football professionally.
In 2019, at 16, Simi represented America in the under-17 games, her first international assignment. She has since gone on to represent Canada, a testament to her impressive skills on the field.
Simi Awujo is studying Computer Science and Business Administration at the University of Southern California.
Despite being in college, she continues to excel in her football career. Simi proves her commitment to being the best on and off the field.
With her talent, determination, and relentless drive, Simi is undoubtedly a rising star in the world of football. It’s clear her future holds great promise, and we can confidently say that she is destined for incredible success.
On the 12th of March, 2023, the Canadian Women’s National Team announced the Canadian player as part of the squad to represent Canada in the 2023 SheBelives Cup.
This tournament took place between 16 February and 22 February 2023. This was an exciting moment for Simi Awujo.
Outside the field, she is a loving young woman who has learned to balance her education and football goals.
She loves to spend time with her friends and family. Simi does not hesitate to showcase them on her Instagram page. Also, she has a relatively low and private profile, making it difficult to determine what is what.
Overall, the young starlet is on her way to high success in her football career.
Appreciation Note:
Thank you for taking the time to read our version of Simi Awujo’s Biography. We care about content fairness in the constant routine of delivering Canadian Soccer stories. Simi Awujo Bio is part of our Female Footballers collection.
Kindly contact us via comments if you notice anything that doesn’t look right in this memoir of the Canadian Midfielder.
Also, tell us what you think about the career of the Prolific Goal-Scorer. Also, we’ve made an impressive article about Atlanta-born Canadian soccer stars.
Aside from Profile Simi Awujo Bio, we’ve got other great Women Soccer Players’ Childhood Stories for your reading pleasure. In fact, the Life History of Rose Lavelle and Margaret Purce will interest you.
