)
Here is what you need to know about Gbenga Okunowo, the Barcelona star who played with Xavi, Luís Figo, and Rivaldo.
Former Nigerian professional football star Gbenga Okunowo is a trending topic on social media.
Before he retired, Gbenga Okunowo gained notoriety for his time playing for FC Barcelona, a top team in the Spanish La Liga.
When he played for Barcelona, Gbenga Samuel Okunowo had teammates like Xavi, Luis Figo, Rivaldo, and Luis Enrique, but he was never quite at their level.
)
Even now, no one would give this Nigerian, who also played for Benfica and represented his country, any second thought as he walked around most of the world.
Gbenga Okunowo: Here are five things to know about Barcelona star
1. He was born on March 1st, 1979, in Ibadan, Nigeria.
)
2. He enrolled in the African Grammar School in Oyo State after completing his primary education.
3. He was unable to travel with the Nigerian Golden Eaglets team to the 1995 World U-17 Youth Championship in Ecuador.
)
4. When he joined Shooting Stars Sports Club in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) at age 16, he quickly emerged as a prodigy and a beloved figure in his community.
5. Okunowo gained recognition when Portugal hosted the 1997 UEFA-CAF Meridian Cup.
6. At the age of 18, highly regarded teenage defender Okunowo signed with La Liga powerhouse Barcelona.
)
14:30 - 17.06.2023
Gbenga Okunowo: Barcelona legends celebrate Nigerian star
A month after their 3-0 loss to Zambia, Barcelona legends celebrate Nigerian star Gbenga Okunowo.
7. When the 1999 FIFA U-17 World Cup was held in Nigeria, Okunowo was selected for the Flying Eagles of Nigeria squad.
8. Gbenga Okonwo was a member of the Dream Team that represented Nigeria in the men's football competition at the Sydney Summer Olympics in 2000.
)
9. When the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) was held in Nigeria, Okunowo was a member of the Super Eagles team that placed second.
10. Although Okunowo is currently retired, he still plays for the Barcelona Legends team.
Related content
)
07:40 - 17.05.2023
Cristiano Ronaldo's shocking Arsenal transfer wish revealed
Arsenal lost 3-0 to Brighton on Sunday to all but end their hopes of a first league title since 2004 but things may have been different if the club had a certain Portuguese on their books.
)
14:00 - 08.03.2024
Cristiano Ronaldo trumps Lionel Messi in list of Top 10 highest-paid athletes in 2024
Ronaldo has leapfrogged Messi to become the highest-paid athlete in the world in 2024, ahead of NBA icon LeBron James and a host of other big names.
)
17:02 - 11.05.2023
'It's all lies', Ronaldo's mother rubbishes talk of friction between star and fiancée Rodriguez
Cristiano Ronaldo's mother, Dolores Aveiro, has quashed reports of a relationship stifling between the Al Nasser star and lover, Georgina Rodriguez.
)
14:31 - 11.05.2023
Cristiano Ronaldo gifted custom watch worth over N86 million at Jacob & Co boutique launch
Ronaldo has been gifted another custom timepiece by Jacob & Co, months after rocking a ‘Caviar Flying Tourbillon’ covered with 388 gemstones.
)
18:18 - 10.05.2023
GRASSROOTS Ronaldo fan Gift inspires Leadforte to glory in N9m-rated U15 Girls football tourney
Udiba Gift proved she's a real Cristiano Ronaldo fan, winning two awards to lead her school Leadforte Gate to a deserved victory in the U15 Girls Inter-Secondary School Football Tournament.
)
16:30 - 11.05.2023
Cristiano Ronaldo's mum speaks on reported fight with his girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez
The mother of Cristiano Ronaldo denies rumors that her son and Rodriguez would part ways.
)
17:00 - 26.05.2023
Ronaldinho could not save Barcelona legends from 3-0 thrashing in Zambia
Barcelona Legends led by Ronaldinho suffer a humiliating 3-0 loss in Zambia.
14:30 - 17.06.2023
Gbenga Okunowo: Barcelona legends celebrate Nigerian star
A month after their 3-0 loss to Zambia, Barcelona legends celebrate Nigerian star Gbenga Okunowo.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
![[Watch]: She Cranes, Vinka team up for 'All Over You' dance challenge](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/14122023/31c06c75-4037-451a-afab-4b089d805469.jpg?operations=fit(600:))
)
)
)
)
)
![Sports Gist: [Watch] Karole Kasita, Feffe Bussi show off boxing skills at the Chekecha concert](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/18112023/fef84da9-f9ae-42ff-9258-ccbb24a2d231.jpg?operations=fit(600:))
)