From Ibadan to England, Belgium, and Canada — the story of a Nigerian winger who made his mark abroad.
An Act of Honesty That Cost Him — and Then Rewarded Him
Folorunso “Foley” Okenla, a former Super Eagles player, was once punished for being honest.
At one point in his early career, he was invited to join the Flying Eagles (Nigeria’s U-20 national team). However, Okenla declined the call-up, truthfully informing the coach that he had already exceeded the age limit for that category. His honesty did not sit well with the coach, who, angered by his refusal, vowed that Okenla would never play for the national team.
Yet, destiny had other plans. Some time later, that same coach travelled abroad for a training course, and in his absence, Okenla received another opportunity. He was invited to the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s senior national team, where he earned five caps — four officially recognised by FIFA and one non-FIFA match — though he did not score any goals.
This story of integrity and eventual triumph highlights the values that defined Okenla’s football journey — truthfulness, discipline, and perseverance.
Early Life, Background, and Education
Folorunso Okenla was born on 9 October 1967 in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
As of 2025, he is 57 years old, turning 58 in October.
Public information about his early family background and formal education is limited. However, his family is partially documented through his children — notably his son, Henry Okenla, who is listed as the son of Folorunso and Rachael Okenla on the official Boston College Athletics roster.
Foley Okenla is a devoted father. His son, Henry Okenla, attended Boston College in the United States, where he played college football and was officially described as “the son of Folorunso and Rachael Okenla.”
Henry has four siblings — Christina, Aila, Lola, and Grace — also listed in the same biographical note. While Okenla’s private life remains largely out of the public eye, this information reflects a family legacy that continues to value sports and education across generations.
Club Career
Okenla’s professional football career took him across three continents, showcasing his versatility and ambition:
1991: Signed for Burnley F.C. (England) but did not make a league appearance.
1991 – 1992: Joined Birmingham City F.C. (England, Third Division), where he made 7 appearances and scored 1 goal.
1992 – 1993: Transferred to K.V. Turnhout in Belgium’s Second Division, appearing 4 times.
1993: Signed for Montreal Impact in Canada’s American Professional Soccer League, making 7 appearances.
His career abroad made him part of the early wave of Nigerian footballers who ventured overseas in search of professional growth long before it became commonplace.
International Career
Representing his country was one of Okenla’s proudest achievements.
He played for the Nigeria national football team, the Super Eagles, earning at least four official FIFA caps and one additional non-FIFA match between 1988 and 1994.
He was also a member of the squad at the 1988 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria finished as runners-up, reinforcing his status among the nation’s top players of his era.
Style of Play and Position
Folorunso Okenla primarily operated as a winger, renowned for his speed, creativity, and direct attacking play. Though his overall number of club appearances was modest, his consistent inclusion in Nigeria’s national setup spoke to his quality and professionalism on the pitch.
Following his retirement, Okenla has occasionally appeared in media discussions and football commentary in Nigeria. His honesty, both on and off the field, continues to inspire younger athletes.
His son’s participation in North American college football reflects how his sporting spirit endures through a new generation — a cross-continental legacy that connects Nigeria and the diaspora.
Okenla’s journey from Ibadan to Europe and North America, coupled with his story of integrity and resilience, cements his reputation as one of Nigeria’s understated football ambassadors.
The Federal Road Safety Corps, on Friday, urged motorists who are participating in the fasting periods, to ensure that they take rest at intervals, to avoid road crashes.
The FRSC Commander in-charge of the Sagamu-Ore-Benin Expressway corridor, Mr Nasir Mohammed, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Ota.
He noted that the advice had become expedient following the commencement of fasting periods by both Christian and Muslim faithfuls.
NAN reports that Catholic faithfuls had commenced lenten season with the distribution of Ash on Wednesday, which period is marked by 40 days fasting.
In the same vein, Muslim faithfuls had also began observation of Ramadan in the Islamic calendar, which period is also marked by fasting.
Mohammed urged motorists to be cautious of fatigue and possible dehydration during the fasting periods, and ensure that they take hours of rest before returning to the steering.
He also warned motorists against over speeding and wrongful overtaking, which could lead to tragedy, adding that drivers must strictly adhere to all safety rules while on the road.
“We are appealing to motorists, especially Muslims and Christians who are fasting, to always observe the rest after every four hours of driving, to prevent avoidable loss of lives.
“Also, all motorists are enjoined to drive to stay alive; Wishing all safer roads and fuller life.” he said.
Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye has disclosed that the Nigerian Tiktoker, simply identified as Mirable, has been admitted to a State-owned health facility, and is currently receiving comprehensive medical attention.
Adeleye added that an investigation had begun and the survivor is presently receiving psychosocial support, and is responding positively to medical treatment.
The commissioner stated this on Thursday night shortly after visiting the survivor at the health facility, in the company of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, and the Medical Director of the facility.
According to her, the visit was aimed at assessing the survivor’s condition and ensuring that appropriate medical and welfare interventions were promptly administered.
The Commissioner praised the personnel at the State-owned medical facility and the State Ministry of Justice for their quick response, as well as the Nigeria Police Force and Ogun State Police Command for their rapid and timely action as soon as the case was transferred to the State.
“This structured approach is intended to protect the survivor’s welfare while guaranteeing that investigations are conducted professionally, thoroughly, and strictly on the basis of verifiable evidence”, Adeleye said.
She added that detailed examinations and all required clinical procedures are being carried out in line with established standards for managing cases of alleged sexual assault, while the security agency is carrying out their investigation simultaneously.
“The welfare, dignity, and safety of every survivor remains our utmost priority. The Prince Dapo Abiodun led- administration maintains a zero-tolerance stance on sexual and gender-based violence, stressing that “while we stand firmly with survivors, we are equally guided by due process.
“Investigations must be evidence-based, transparent, and fair to all parties involved, even as whosoever is found wanting would be made to face the full wrath of the law,” she said.
She urged residents to steer clear of speculative narratives or sensational commentary that could compromise due process while assuring them that the State Government would get to the bottom of the issue to ascertain the veracity of the claim.
Meanwhile, she assured members of the public that further updates would be communicated at the appropriate time as credible findings emerge from ongoing investigations.
Nigerian TikToker, known simply as Mirabel has finally opened up on the allegation of rape she earlier raised in a viral video.
It was recalls that the content creator, with the username @mirab351 had, alleged that she was sexually assaulted by an unknown man at her residence in Ogun State.
She claimed that the alleged rapist inflicted an injury on her privates with a blade.
Her story generated reactions across social media, causing the Nigeria Police to swing into action.
Some netizens, however, expressed scepticism on the factuality of the allegation, stating that the stories were not adding up.
But the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said on Thursday that the command was investigating the matter.
However, Mirabel, who opened up to Popular social media activist, Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, VDM said she had been into drugs and could be hallucinating.
