Date if Birth:
6 June 1985
Place of Birth:
Delta State, Nigeria
Profession
Nationality:
Zodiac Sign:
ABOUT
Odafa Onyeka Okolie was born on 6th June 1985 from eastern Nigeria who relocated to Kolkata from Nigeria to pursue his higher education. He is a Nigerian former professional football player who has made significant contributions to the Nigerian football scene. Odafa spent most of his football career in India.
BEFORE FAME
Odafa Onyeka Okolie came to Kolkata from Nigeria to continue his higher education. He had a passion for football and played for some local clubs before Mohammedan Sporting noticed the 18-year-old and signed him as a center-back in 2003. Unfortunately, Odafa’s first year with the team was disastrous, making him a regrettable signing for them.
During this time, Odafa met experienced Indian forward Mihir Bose, who advised him to switch from defense to a striker, believing Odafa would do well in that position. This change turned things around. After being let go by the Kolkata Maidan due to his initial failures, Odafa joined the Bangladeshi club Muktijoddha. He played as a center forward for a year and scored 40 goals in less than 30 games.
CAREER
Odafa Onyeka Okolie started his career in 2002 as a defender with Kolkata (India) based clubs Peerless SC and Mohammedan. He also played in Bangladeshi club Muktijoddha SKC where he scored 34 goals from 28 appearances. During his stay in India as a footballer, he played for Gokulam Kerala in the I-League (last match). While playing for Mohun Bagan club, he was once the highest paid footballer in I-league history, earning approximately INR ₹16 million per year in 2011.
He scored a total of 179 goals in the I-League and National Football League making him the second in the list of all-time leading goalscorer in history. He also score a whooping 14 hat-tricks across all seasons, giving him a record for scoring the most hat-tricks in I-League and National Football League combined, including 13 of those in the I-League. Okolie also signed for Churchill Brothers as a striker, Sporting Goa on a loan deal and I-League 2nd Division club Southern Samity
FAMILY LIFE
Odafa Onyeka Okolie is married with children and they all live in India. His birthday date is 6 June.
ASSOCIATED WITH
Odafa Onyeka Okolie is associated with Muktijoddha SKC, Gokulam Kerala, Sporting Goa, Mohun Bagan club, Churchill Brothers, Southern Samity as well as I-League and National Football League combined.
In 2005, Mihir Bose recommended Odafa to the Goan club Churchill Brothers, who invited him back to India. This was the start of Odafa’s legendary journey in Indian football. He became an unstoppable goal scorer, with a strike rate comparable to the famous German striker, Gerd Muller. Odafa was arguably the most complete striker to ever play in India. Known for his strength and exceptional skills, he was an obvious choice for any coach. Later, he returned to Kolkata and joined the major club Mohun Bagan, where he continued his impressive goal-scoring streak, netting around 100 goals in almost as many matches. Okolie has several Career statistics and honors including the following:
Churchill Brothers
- I-League: 2008–09; runner-up 2007–08
- Durand Cup: 2007, 2009
- IFA Shield: 2009
Muktijoddha SKC
- Federation Cup (Bangladesh) runner-up: 2005
Individual
- National Football League (India) Golden Boot: 2006–07 (18 goals)
- I-League top scorer: 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10
Odafa Onyeka Okolie Net Worth
Odafa Onyeka Okolie’s had a career in the Indian football league, and he has an estimated net worth of around $5 million as of 2024. His football earnings came from his time as one of the highest-paid players in the I-League, where he reportedly earned INR 1.4 crore per year in 2011. Payments of his football salary was received from clubs like Mohun Bagan and Churchill Brothers, where he achieved considerable success and recognition.