Black History Month is both a celebration and a reminder. It’s a time to honour how far the Black community has come, both in and out of sport. But more importantly, it’s a reminder that the journey is far from over. While having a designated month to recognize Black history is significant, it is not the end goal—it is a foundation. It allows us to reflect on our achievements while continuously striving to break new barriers and create greater opportunities for future generations.
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For me, my journey in football has been shaped by my upbringing in South East London, UK. In England, football is deeply embedded in the culture—everyone plays, whether it’s in an organized setting or simply in the streets. Growing up in a rough area meant that the game was never just about skill; it was about resilience, bravery, and determination. Playing in the cages with my uncle and his friends, who were all older and stronger, forced me to be tough. That environment moulded me into the player I am today—the grit and tenacity you see from me on the pitch were developed in those early years.
When I think about my inspirations, Didier Drogba immediately comes to mind. As a Chelsea fan and a former striker, watching an African footballer excel at the highest level was nothing short of inspiring. His strength, leadership, and ability to perform in big moments made me dream of reaching similar heights. Outside of football, my biggest inspirations are my mum and my uncle Johnson. My mum has made countless sacrifices to support me and my brothers, navigating life’s challenges with unwavering strength. She is my hero, and everything I do is to make her proud. My uncle played a major role in my football journey—taking me to games, introducing me to the sport, and ultimately setting me on the path to where I am today. If it weren’t for him and my other uncles bringing me to play with their friends, I may never have been scouted or pursued football professionally.
Becoming a professional footballer is, without a doubt, my biggest accomplishment. Though I may not be at the highest level of the game, I give myself credit for making it this far. Football has allowed me to experience different cultures, visit new countries, and compete against talented and historic teams. More importantly, I am part of something greater—a sport that inspires millions to chase their dreams.
Throughout my journey, my family and community have been my backbone. Their unwavering support has helped me through the highs and lows of my career. My family pushes me to work harder because I want to provide for them and make them proud. My community fuels me because I know they are rooting for me, and the least I can do is give my best effort every time I step onto the pitch.
Looking ahead, I want to leave behind a legacy of humility and inspiration. I want young Black footballers, especially those from single-parent homes, to look at my story and see that their dreams are possible. I want to be remembered not just as a great footballer but as a great person—someone who inspired others and left a lasting impact both on and off the pitch.
One of the moments that deeply connected me to Black history in football was watching Nigeria reach the 2023 AFCON Final. It resonated with me on a personal level because many of the players on that team share a similar background to mine—they are of Afro-British descent. Their decision to represent their home country and succeed on that stage was inspiring. For years, African nations have struggled to retain their footballing talent, but that tide is beginning to turn. Nigeria, in particular, has been a trailblazer in this movement. Seeing those players thrive on the international stage makes me want to represent my own home country one day, and I’m sure it inspires many young African footballers as well.
If I could go back and give my younger self advice, I’d say, “Invest £1,000 in Bitcoin.” But in all seriousness, I’d remind myself to enjoy the journey, embrace the challenges, and not be afraid of failure. Every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow, both as a player and as a person.
Black History Month is about honouring the past, celebrating the present, and building for the future. As an athlete, I recognize my responsibility to uplift and inspire the next generation. The journey is far from over, but with every step forward, we move closer to a world of greater equality, opportunity, and representation. And I’m proud to be a part of that movement.