MFA Žalgiris Introduces Olamide Oyinlola

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

As the Women’s A League season commences, the Vilnius MFA “Žalgiris”-MRU team has bolstered its roster with a significant addition.

Nigerian footballer Olamide Shakirat Oyinlola has joined the ranks of the multiple-time Lithuanian vice-champions.

The 19-year-old central defender became part of the Žalgiris team in early April and made her debut last week, participating in both the Women’s A League and the LMFA First League.

Oyinlola took to the field on April 11, coming on as a substitute in the match between MFA “Žalgiris B”-MRU and Vilnius “Žalgiris B.” She then played the full 90 minutes in the Women’s A League Round 3 match against the main “Žalgiris” team on Sunday, where her contributions were instrumental in securing a victory for MFA “Žalgiris”-MRU.

“I arrived in Vilnius a few weeks ago, and I really enjoy it here; it’s a beautiful city with pleasant weather. Most importantly, my teammates have welcomed me warmly and kindly, making me feel at home from the very first training session. In my first match, I played only a few minutes with the reserve team, but on Sunday, I had the chance to engage more deeply with the Lithuanian Women’s Football League. I believe we played well, dominated the game, and earned a deserved victory. I focused on supporting the team defensively, but I am confident that I can contribute even more effectively,” stated the new defender of the MFA “Žalgiris”-MRU team.

Oyinlola began her football journey in Nigeria and represented the Nigerian women’s national team at the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, where the team finished third in the tournament held in India, with Oyinlola being a key defender.

Following her successful stint with the national team, she caught the attention of a Spanish La Liga football academy and relocated to Madrid in September 2023.

Recently, Oyinlola has been playing for teams within the La Liga football academy and has also received an invitation to join the Nigerian U20 national team.