Sixteen-year-old Demilade Osho says winning the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award at the 2026 Daniel Oreoluwa Adebiyi (D.O.A.) Foundation Soccer Challenge has strengthened his determination to pursue a professional football career.
The Year 12 student emerged as the standout performer at the grassroots tournament held at Chrisland College, Idimu, Lagos, where he impressed coaches, spectators and football enthusiasts with his performances throughout the competition.
An emotional Osho admitted he never expected to be named the tournament’s best player.
“I feel ecstatic. I didn’t expect it at all. I give all the glory to God,” he said after receiving the MVP award.
The teenager revealed that football has been part of his life for as long as he can remember, recalling that his passion for the game began almost from birth.
For the young midfielder, becoming a professional footballer is more than achieving personal success. He hopes to use the opportunities the game provides to uplift other aspiring players.
“My life goal is to become a footballer. The money I make from football won’t just be for me. God will bless me so I can bless others,” he said.
“I want to establish a foundation just like the D.O.A. Foundation to help young players who need opportunities to become professionals.”
Osho also highlighted the challenges many talented young footballers face in Nigeria, particularly the lack of parental support and limited opportunities to develop their abilities.
“Many parents still want their children to become doctors or lawyers instead of footballers. That is one of the biggest challenges, alongside the lack of opportunities,” he said.