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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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