36 Lion Academy Product Olayinka Ogunleye Selected by FC Dallas in 2026 MLS SuperDraft

Olayinka Ogunleye, a product of 36 Lion Football Academy, has been selected by FC Dallas as the 66th overall pick in the 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) SuperDraft.

Standing at 6 feet 4 inches, the Nigerian defender has emerged as a commanding presence in the University of Louisville backline, establishing himself as a key figure throughout his collegiate career.

Ogunleye made an immediate impression during his freshman season in 2024, featuring in 12 matches, starting 11, and logging 915 minutes on the pitch. His consistent performances saw him develop into a reliable two-way defender for the Louisville Cardinals.

During the 2025 season, he further elevated his game, starting all 17 matches for the Cardinals and contributing at both ends of the field. From his defensive position, Ogunleye scored two goals and provided one assist, including his first goal of the season in a commanding 4–0 victory over IU Indianapolis and a crucial equaliser in a 1–1 draw away to Lipscomb.

Reacting to the milestone, Hajji Gafar Liameed, Adviser at 36 Lion, expressed pride in Ogunleye’s progress and achievement.

“The SuperDraft is always an exhilarating occasion, marking a significant milestone for these players and their families who have dedicated themselves to achieving this opportunity.”

“We at 36 Lion are thrilled to have had the opportunity to develop and refine Olayinka’s talent.”

Describing the defender’s qualities, Liameed added:

“Olayinka is a left-footed defender with remarkable technical skills, a strong understanding of the game, and impressive mobility. We are confident he has a promising future ahead with immense potential.”

Football stakeholders and development experts have hailed Ogunleye’s selection as a positive step for Nigerian football, underlining the growing importance of combining academic pathways with elite athletic development in nurturing young talent.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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