Olamide Bolaji’s 2024/25 season in the NWFL Premiership was nothing short of remarkable. The Remo Stars Ladies forward finished as the league’s top scorer, netting 15 goals in 19 matches, including scoring in each of the first seven matchdays. Her consistent brilliance in front of goal was instrumental in securing her team’s historic qualification for the NWFL Super 6.
Bolaji’s standout performances earned her a well-deserved call-up to the Nigerian women’s national team for a friendly against the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon. Notably, she had already made her senior debut on October 26, 2024, in a friendly against Algeria, becoming the first, and so far only, player from Remo Stars Ladies to reach that level.
But beyond the numbers lies a story of quiet determination, resilience, and faith. In an exclusive interview with www.aclsports.com in camp just before the game against Indomitable Lionesses, the breakout star opened up about her journey, her mindset on the pitch, and what continues to fuel her.
“Being here is not my right, it’s by God’s privilege,” Bolaji said. “If I’m featured against Cameroon, I’ll show them how and why I scored those 15 goals in 19 matches. The God that has been doing it for me won’t fail me.”
Her humility is matched by laser-sharp focus: “Right now, I’m very close to the opponents’ goal post, it’s like a friend to me. I only see the net now,” she said when asked what goes through her mind in front of goal. “If a chance is created for me, I’m sure I won’t miss anymore.”
Bolaji came on as a substitute in the friendly played in Abeokuta. Though she didn’t score, she gained invaluable experience. Her prospects of representing the nine-time African champions, the Super Falcons, at the upcoming WAFCON remain strong. National team head coach Justin Madugu addressed the inclusion of home-based players, saying after the match:
“As long as they’re Nigerians and good enough to play, they will get the opportunity. There’s no limitation.”
Remarkably, Remo Stars Ladies were founded just two seasons ago and Bolaji has been central to their rapid rise into the NWFL’s elite ranks.
“I was very excited,” she said of the club’s Super 6 qualification. “A new team competing with top-flight clubs that have been in the league for years and we even beat the defending champions, Edo Queens. It’s a big thing for my team. We’ll keep going higher and higher.”
To the fans who have supported her journey, Bolaji offered heartfelt thanks, “I love all of you. You’ve been wonderful with your advice and encouragement. I’ll try not to disappoint you.”
She also shared a personal story that reflects her confidence and resilience, “Some people look at my body size and say, ‘You’re too big o.’ But I turned it into a nickname, Big 13. I got motivated. So I’d say: as long as you can carry your body, forget! Just keep carrying the body. Na your body, carry am. That’s what motivates me. I don’t even remember my size on the field, I dey carry my body.”
With her eyes now set on WAFCON 2024 and beyond, Olamide Bolaji’s story is no longer just about goals. It’s about belief, courage, and the rise of a star with much more to give.
