Lifestyle
Folorunso “Foley” Okenla: The Honest Footballer Who Defied Fate
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.
Family
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.
Legacy and Post-Playing Life
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.
References
1. “Foley Okenla.” National-Football-Team
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