When Omolola was crowned the Most Valuable Player (MVP; female category) of this year’s SEALS Cup tournament, it marked not just an acknowledgment of her remarkable talent on the football pitch, but also to her unyielding determination, consistency, and resilience. Omolola Adura Buari is a 400-level student of the department of Arts and Social Sciences Education, from the faculty of education. Her meteoric rise from an overlooked freshman to a revered campus icon is nothing short of legendary. Yet, Lolly’s journey to the top was anything but a smooth ride – it’s a tale of perseverance, passion, and a relentless love for football that began long before she set foot on the ground of the University of Ibadan.
Growing up in a family of five girls, Lolly was always a bit of an outlier, at least when it came to certain societal norms. While other girls her age were busy playing with dolls, Lolly was out on the field, competing with boys in games that demanded physicality and tactical skills. “Football has always been my thing,” she recalled. “I’d play during school break, and most times, I was the only girl among the boys. It was tough, but I loved it.”
Upon entering the University of Ibadan, Lolly blended into the crowd like many other freshmen, juggling the demands of academics and adjusting to university life. But in her second semester, spurred by the encouragement of her friend, Bolu, she decided to reignite her passion for football and the journey began. She joined the UI female football training team and her natural talent caught the attention of the coaches. With consistent hard work, she earned a spot in the university’s female football team. Although she initially started as a forward, Lolly was later converted to a defender – a position where she really excelled. Despite her high hopes upon joining the team, reality struck hard when she wasn’t selected for the prestigious Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) tournament. In her words, “Not making the NUGA squad hurt but it ignited something inside me. I knew I had to push harder and get better. The next time, I was determined to make it.”
Determined to bounce back from that, Omolola gave herself to intense training, working harder than ever before. Her hard work paid off during her first year when she represented Obafemi Awolowo Hall and won her first ever medal (silver) in 2021. Though it wasn’t the gold she had hoped for, it was the beginning of what would become a decorated university football career. By her second year, Lolly had found her stride. She earned her first gold medal in 2023 at the Dean’s Cup, representing her department, Art and Social Sciences Education (ASSE), and this victory opened the doors for more accolades. With each tournament, her confidence grew, and so did her collection of medals. Gold in the 2022 SU interfaculty tournament, gold in the 2022 Sigma inter-hall competition . And it wasn’t just about the wins — her presence on the field became impossible to ignore or overlook.
By her third year, Lolly had established herself as one of the most formidable female players on campus. In the 2024 Sigma Inter-Hall Cup, she did not only win gold but also secured the MVP title, an honour usually reserved for the overall best player. What made this feat even more extraordinary was that Lolly achieved it while playing as a defender. She even emerged as the highest goal scorer of the tournament — another rare accolade for a defender. Most recently and as a finalist in UI, she was crowned the MVP of the just-concluded 2024 SEALS Cup tournament, its maiden edition for the female category, where she, once again, struck gold. She also featured in the Team of the Tournament (TOTT) as a midfielder. This is no surprise for the people that watched her play in the SEALS Cup as she was all over the pitch.
Lolly’s determination and talent have not only earned her individual accolades but also solidified her place as a key player for the University of Ibadan’s female football team. Over the years, she has proudly represented UI in numerous competitions, showcasing her exceptional skills and leadership on the field. Whether in local matches or high-profile tournaments, Lolly’s presence on the team has become synonymous with excellence. Her contributions have been instrumental in the university’s continued success in female football, and she remains a vital asset to the team.
Despite all the personal accolades, Lolly remains grounded and team-oriented. “Football is a team sport. None of these victories would’ve been possible without my teammates and coaches. They push me to be better every single day,” she said, reflecting on the camaraderie that has been central to her growth. The best female player Omolola has seen in UI is Adebimpe Adeniyi, now a graduate of Guidance and Counselling.
But as much as she celebrates her triumphs, Lolly is not shy about addressing the challenges that come with being a female footballer. One of her biggest frustrations has been the lack of attention and support for women’s football within the university’s sports management system. “It’s frustrating,” she said with a sigh. “The male teams get so much attention, funding, and support. Meanwhile, we, the female players, are often left to fend for ourselves, despite putting in just as much effort.”
This disparity has motivated Lolly to become a voice for change, not just within the University of Ibadan but for female athletes everywhere. She is outspoken about the need for equal treatment and resources, and she hopes that her success, along with that of her teammates, will help pave the way for future generations of female footballers.
Contrary to popular opinions, football isn’t the only sport where Lolly has excelled. In her third year, she expanded her athletic pursuits, winning silver medals in both badminton and handball during inter-hall competitions. Her versatility as an athlete underscores her natural talent and drive. Lolly isn’t just a footballer – she’s a multi-sport athlete, a leader, and a symbol of excellence.
Now in her final year, Lolly is looking into the future with hopes of taking her game to the next level. Currently enrolled in Tee Talent Football Academy, she’s sharpening her skills and preparing for the possibility of playing professional football. “I want to play professionally. If the opportunity comes, I’ll grab it with both hands,” she said, as her voice was determination-personified.
For Lolly, the journey has always been about more than just medals or recognition. It has been about passion, perseverance, and paving the way for others to follow. She hopes to inspire the next generation of female athletes to chase their dreams, no matter the obstacles.
To those just starting their athletic journey, Lolly offers this advice, “To anyone out there who feels like they’re not seen or heard, keep pushing. Your time will come. If I can do it, so can you.”
As her university journey draws to a close, Omolola’s story is far from over. In fact, it is only just the beginning…
Abdulsalam Sodiq.
