“I Play for the Badge”: Abdulwahab Opeyemi Abdulwahab Shines in GBEMIGA FC’s Debut Match

Abdulwahab Opeyemi Abdulwahab

In the heart of GBEMIGA FOOTBALL CLUB’s midfield, one name echoed louder than the rest during their debut training match against Solution FC—Abdulwahab Opeyemi Abdulwahab. Calm under pressure, fierce in tackles, and visionary in distribution, Abdulwahab earned the Man of the Match title in a game that marked the beginning of a new era for the club.

We caught up with the midfield maestro after the match to talk about his performance, mindset, and what it means to wear the GBEMIGA FC jersey.

Interview Highlights

Q: First of all, congratulations on being named Man of the Match. How does it feel?   Abdulwahab:   Thank you. It’s a great honor, especially in our first game as a team. I didn’t expect it—I just focused on doing my job, protecting the back line, and helping us transition forward. But I’m grateful. It’s a team effort.

Q: You played in the defensive midfield role with a lot of composure. What’s your approach to that position?   Abdulwahab:   I see it as the engine room. You have to read the game, break up attacks, and start new ones. It’s not flashy, but it’s vital. I try to stay disciplined, communicate with my teammates, and make sure we stay compact.

Q: What was the biggest challenge playing against Solution FC?   Abdulwahab:   They’re a well-organized side. Their movement off the ball was sharp, and they pressed us high. But I think we handled it well considering it was our first time playing together. We’ll grow stronger with each match.

Q: What does playing for GBEMIGA FC mean to you?   Abdulwahab:   It means everything. This club is built on vision and passion. Coach Tijjani believes in us, and the leadership from Coach Samson Awosanya and Mr. Oluwagbemiga Johnson Adebayo (OJA) gives us purpose. I play for the badge, for the fans, and for the future we’re building.

Q: What’s next for you and the team?   Abdulwahab:   We go back to training. We analyze, we improve. The scoreline wasn’t what we wanted, but the spirit is there. I believe in this team. We’re going to surprise a lot of people.

Coach’s Praise

Head Coach Suleiman Tijjani had high praise for Abdulwahab’s performance:

“He was the heartbeat of our midfield today. His discipline and leadership on the pitch set the tone for the rest of the squad.”

A Star in the Making

Abdulwahab’s performance wasn’t just about tackles and passes—it was about heart, leadership, and the promise of what’s to come. As GBEMIGA FC continues to build its identity, players like Abdulwahab are the foundation of its future.