A Rising Star’s Journey from Nigeria to the Global Stage
Nigerian forward Blessing Owolabi is setting her sights on greatness, with a clear vision of making it to the Super Falcons and eventually playing in one of Europe’s top leagues. Her impressive performance this season in Kazakhstan has put her on the map, showcasing her potential on an international scale.
Owolabi, who plays for Biik Kazygurt in the Kazakhstan Women’s Football Championship, has been nothing short of exceptional this 2025 season. In just nine games, she has netted fourteen goals, proving that her talent is undeniable. This success has given her the confidence to believe that she can make the leap to elite European leagues.
“I see myself playing in England, Germany, France, Italy or Spain in five years,” she said. “And I definitely want to be a regular in the Super Falcons.”
Her immediate goal is to contribute significantly to her team’s success, aiming to be involved in at least 85% of their victories. She believes that no club would want to lose a player who brings so much to the table.
“This season, I told myself I have to make the starting eleven,” she added. “Not only that, but I must contribute to every victory, whether through goals, assists or creating chances.”
Despite her current success, Owolabi’s journey to professional football was not easy. As a young girl from Lagos, she faced significant challenges, especially from her parents, who prioritized academics over sports. She recalled the intense pressure she experienced.
“I faced serious parental pressure from all directions,” she shared. “I was allowed to play to a point, but progressing further was a major issue. Playing in school through inter-class matches and the principal’s cup wasn’t enough for me. I wanted more. I wanted the world to know my name, but it wasn’t in my parents’ plans.”
Her breakthrough came when coach Diego of Nakamura Football Academy discovered her during a school training session. That moment changed everything for her.
“Nakamura FA shaped me,” she said. “They’re a disciplined team with zero tolerance for indiscipline. That kind of environment really transformed me and helped build me into who I am today.”
Owolabi models her game after Dutch star Lieke Martens and male footballers like Arjen Robben, Eden Hazard, Ángel Di María and Ronaldo de Lima. She describes herself as a fast, skilful inverted winger who thrives under pressure.
“I love running at defenders and creating chances,” she said. “And when it matters most, I step up to score goals in big games.”
After spending last season on loan at Ordabasy, where she made headlines with her unique scoring record of one goal in her first game, two in the second, and a hat-trick in the third, Owolabi returned to Biik Kazygurt determined to leave a bigger mark.
Despite being based in a country not known for elite women’s football, Owolabi sees the growth in Kazakhstan as encouraging. She believes that Nigeria can reach even greater heights if given the right investment.
“Nigeria has so much talent,” she said. “If more sponsors come in, the sky will be the beginning. Football is a religion in Nigeria, my country, Naija, will rise.”
