Samuel Aghehowa’s Journey from Refugee to Football Star

São Paulo, Brazil

Samuel Omorodion Aghehowa, a rising star in football, prepares to showcase his talent for Porto in the FIFA Club World Cup this Sunday at 7 p.m. (Brasília time). His journey has been marked by determination, sacrifice, and the unwavering support of his mother, Edith Aghehowa.

Edith left Nigeria two decades ago in search of a better life in Spain. While pregnant and at the brink of desperation, she crossed into Melilha, a Spanish autonomous city, where Samuel was born without a father. Their initial struggles included living in a refugee shelter in Spain.

Despite the hardships, Edith secured work and a residence permit for Samuel, which allowed them to move to Sevilha. There, she juggled jobs as a domestic worker and seamstress while Samuel discovered his passion for football during school breaks.

Initially, Edith wanted Samuel to pursue a traditional career, yet her son’s love for football became undeniable. Despite financial constraints that made it hard to enroll him in a local football academy, community support helped gather the necessary funds for him to train.

“I wanted Samuel to study and become a doctor, but he only wanted to play football,” Edith shared in an interview. As a child, Samuel walked long distances, often commuting to training on foot, a source of worry for his mother.

It was through perseverance that Samuel began to shine. While he struggled in Sevilla’s youth ranks, he found success at the neighborhood club AD Nervión, where a local leader incentivized him with cash for goals. His reputation grew as he scored frequently, attracting attention from larger teams.

His talent did not go unnoticed, leading to a move to Atlético de Madrid, followed by an important loan to Alavés. There, he impressed with standout performances, including scoring against top teams like Barcelona. Eventually, he signed with Porto, where he thrived.

In his first matches for Porto, he scored seven goals, fulfilling a long-held dream of providing a stable home for his family. Now a key member of the team, Samuel aims to continue dazzling fans and coaches alike.

Recently, he caught the eye of Spain’s national coach, Luis de la Fuente, who praised his development. “Samu is a player with great potential, and now it’s up to him to deliver,” he stated.

This Sunday, Samuel will take center stage against Palmeiras, with his mother cheering from the stands, eager to witness her son’s dreams come true.