Nigerian forward Abdulrafiu Owolabi made a thunderous impression in his first starting appearance for Akonangui FC of Equatorial Guinea, scoring twice in a 3-1 victory over Dragon. The former Rovers FC man, deployed as a winger, found the net in both halves to guide his new team to a commanding win.
Owolabi opened the scoring in the first half and struck again shortly after the break to make it 3-0, effectively sealing the contest before the opponents could mount a response. His performance comes just a week after making his debut off the bench for the club.
He joined Akonangui FC alongside compatriots Ayodeji Peters, Muideen Akinyola, and Abdulrahman Abdulrahman forming a strong Nigerian contingent at the club.
Editorial
Abdulrafiu Owolabi’s immediate impact at Akonangui FC is not just an individual triumph it is a testament to the quality of Nigerian footballers and their ability to adapt quickly in foreign leagues. Scoring a brace in your first start is no mean feat, and Owolabi has shown that he is more than ready for this next chapter.
His move to Equatorial Guinea is also symbolic. Too often, moves within the African continent are overlooked or undervalued. Yet, they can provide the right platform for growth, maturity, and even springboards to bigger stages. Owolabi’s case could inspire more Nigerian players to consider ambitious but strategic moves across African leagues.
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This kind of debut also reflects well on his former club, Rovers FC, proving once again that Nigeria’s lower-tier clubs continue to nurture serious talent. Akonangui FC have done well to trust in young Nigerians, and that investment is already paying off.
Let us not forget that football careers are shaped by momentum. If Owolabi continues on this trajectory, he may soon find himself in contention for higher honours—whether it be in top African leagues or even a call-up to Nigeria’s U23 setup. For now, he’s proving that when preparation meets opportunity, success is inevitable.
Did You Know?
- Akonangui FC is one of the most successful clubs in Equatorial Guinea, with multiple appearances in CAF competitions.
- Owolabi previously played for Rovers FC, a Nigerian team based in Calabar, known for producing technically skilled wingers.
- Equatorial Guinea’s top division, where Akonangui competes, is officially known as the Liga Nacional de Fútbol.
- Nigerian players have a long history of success in Central African leagues, including the likes of Mfon Udoh and Junior Lokosa.
- Owolabi’s position shift to winger in Equatorial Guinea is a tactical switch from his deeper forward role at Rovers FC.
