Nigerian Who Graduated With First-Class Shares Inspirational Story of Going Into Professional Football

Hakeem Onitolo a graduate with first-class honors in Estate Management and Valuation from the University of Lagos speaks on his aspiration of going into Professional Football and how he emerged with a good CGPA all while actively pursuing a passion for football.

Hakeem Onitolo recently graduated with first-class honors in Estate Management and Valuation from the University of Lagos, all while actively pursuing a passion for football.

Born in the Marina area of Lagos State, Hakeem’s journey is marked by dual excellence. His exceptional academic performance and football skills have made him a standout student-athlete. Despite the challenges of balancing rigorous coursework and demanding training schedules, Hakeem’s determination and effective time management have been key to his success.

Hakeem plays as a striker for Starbase Football Club in Ogudu, Lagos, demonstrating versatility by effectively using both feet and playing on either flank as a winger. His early ambition to excel in both academics and sports drove him to achieve his goals, as he shared with Soccernet.ng:

“I always knew I wanted to play football from an early age, and before I got into university, I knew I wanted to graduate with a first class. So what I felt didn’t matter. I simply did what was needed to be done.”

Throughout his time at the University of Lagos, Hakeem earned numerous accolades both on and off the pitch. He was named the Best Graduating Student in the Faculty of Environmental Science and the Department of Estate Management. On the football field, he garnered awards such as the FESSA Dean’s Cup (highest goal scorer), EMSA HOD Cup, and EMSA Ballon D’or.

Hakeem’s journey was not without obstacles. Like many African parents, his family initially opposed his football aspirations. After the passing of his father, financial stability was another hurdle. However, with support from friends and family, he persevered.

“It was a tussle between my mum and I, but I didn’t listen. Coaches came to my mum to speak to her to allow me to play, but she didn’t budge. After a while, she realized it was either she allowed me to pursue my dreams, or she’d risk losing her son. It got a bit easier after that,” he recounted.

Hakeem’s dreams extend beyond his current achievements. An avid Liverpool fan, he aspires to play for Real Madrid and the Super Eagles of Nigeria. Reflecting on his career so far, he recalled a memorable moment:

“We were a goal down, and we had just five minutes to play. It was the last action of the game and I scored, taking the game to penalties where we eventually won. I was so happy, but the best is yet to come.”

Hakeem’s commitment to his team and his drive for success remain strong as he looks to the future, aiming to inspire and help others through his professional football career.

“My dream is to play for Real Madrid. I’ve always said it. They’re an institution that represents footballing excellence. I believe I am a very talented player and deserving of a career in sports. A professional football career will allow me to inspire and help others on a larger scale, and that includes playing for Nigeria. I know I will be a great footballer, but whether or not I will play for Madrid depends on the tiny margins of life and destiny.”

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, SCORENET