Demilade Osho eyes pro career after DOA MVP award

Sixteen-year-old Demilade Osho says winning the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award at the Daniel Oreoluwa Adebiyi (DOA) Foundation Soccer Challenge 2026 has strengthened her resolve to pursue a professional soccer career.

The Year 12 student emerged as the most outstanding player at the grassroots tournament held at Chrisland College, Idimu, Lagos, where he impressed coaches, spectators and football enthusiasts with his performances throughout the competition.

An excited Osho admitted that he never expected to be named the best player of the tournament.

“I feel euphoric. I didn’t expect it at all. I give all the glory to God,” he said after receiving the MVP award.

The teenager revealed that soccer has been a part of his life for as long as he can remember, remembering that his passion for the game began almost since he was born.

For the young midfielder, becoming a professional footballer is more than achieving personal success. He hopes to take advantage of the opportunities the game provides to encourage other aspiring players.

“My life’s goal is to become a footballer. The money I earn from football will not be just for me. God will bless me so that I can bless others,” he said.

“I want to establish a foundation like the DOA Foundation to help young players who need opportunities to become professionals.”

Osho also highlighted the challenges faced by many talented young footballers in Nigeria, particularly the lack of parental support and limited opportunities to develop their skills.

“Many parents still want their children to be doctors or lawyers instead of footballers. That is one of the biggest challenges, along with the lack of opportunities,” he said.