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Gbenga OkunovoNigerian footballer
Date of Birth: 01.03.1979
Country:  Nigeria |
Content:
- Early Career
- European Debut
- Loan Spells and Injuries
- Journeyman Years and International Appearances
- Later Career
Early Career
Born in Nigeria, Okunowo began his football journey with a local club named Ehide. His talent caught the attention of Shooting Stars FC, and he joined the club in 1996. At the age of 17, he made his debut in the Nigerian Premier League, quickly establishing himself as a formidable defender.
European Debut
In November 1997, Okunowo's career took a major turn when he signed with FC Barcelona for a fee of $50,000. However, his time in Spain was marred by a muscle injury that kept him sidelined for three months. Nevertheless, in the summer of 1998, he was promoted to Barcelona's first team.
Loan Spells and Injuries
To gain more playing time, Okunowo was loaned out to Portuguese club Benfica in the summer of 1999. However, during the 2000/2001 season, he suffered a knee injury that threatened to derail his career. Undeterred, he quickly returned to the pitch.
In the summer of 2001, Okunowo returned to Barcelona but was relegated to the B team. He was then sent on loan to Spanish Segunda Division side Badajoz, where his team finished 12th. In June 2002, his contract with Barcelona expired.
Journeyman Years and International Appearances
After leaving Barcelona, Okunowo signed with Greek club Ionikos. However, injuries prevented him from making an impact on the team. In July 2003, he signed a two-year contract with FC Dinamo Bucharest, but only played in two matches.
Okunowo's career continued in various clubs across Europe, including KF Tirana in Albania and Metalurh Donetsk in Ukraine. He also represented the Nigerian U-17 team as captain in the 1997 Meridian Cup in Portugal and played in the 1998 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.
Later Career
In December 2008, Okunowo was on trial with English Conference side Northwich Victoria. Since 2009, he has been playing for VB Sports Club in the Maldives. Despite the ups and downs in his career, Okunowo remains a skilled defender with an impressive international record.
