From the bustling streets of Lagos to the hallowed grounds of Italian football, Yahya Olayemi Subair’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of the beautiful game.
Born into a bustling household of 16 siblings, Subair’s childhood in the vibrant chaos of Ojo was colored by the rhythmic thud of a ball against the pavement, his bare feet weaving magic on makeshift pitches.
Despite the odds stacked against him, Subair’s passion for football burned brightly, a beacon of hope in the midst of scarcity. In the echoing cheers of makeshift matches, he found solace, his dreams taking flight amidst the dust and debris of his humble beginnings.
Reflecting on his arduous path to prominence, Subair’s words resonate with the raw emotion of a journey marked by sacrifice and resilience.
“”I started playing football at a very young age, but I wasn’t privileged to get all the support I needed. In Africa, there’s this culture of playing with the barefoot. I started playing in primary school, and I couldn’t afford football boots then with my own money. I felt like football was what I did best,” Subair told Soccernet.ng, his voice tinged with the echoes of countless battles fought and won on the field
Subair’s roots are in Ibadan, but he was born and brought up in Lagos. He wasn’t convinced of his abilities as a young footballer. Yet, it was not until the resounding chorus of encouragement from others that he dared to believe in the possibility of his dreams.
“I knew I could turn football into a career when people started to tell me I was good at it. After a game, the comments were good and full of praise. Some people even went further to tell my parents that I was very good at playing football. It was at that moment I realized I could become a pro and I was just eleven years old,” the versatile striker recalled.
The pinnacle of Subair’s journey thus far came in the form of the Viareggio Cup, a milestone that stands as a testament to his unwavering determination.
“I’d say when I played in Italy, I experienced a different atmosphere, different culture and type of football. Sometimes you face difficulty and you doubt yourself, sometimes you are very confident, but in that moment, everything felt right. I was on trial,” he reflects.
Challenges
Yet, beneath the veneer of success lies a tale of familial strife and shattered expectations. Born into a household with a father who had four wives and a total of sixteen children, Subair’s pursuit of his passion was met with skepticism and scorn from his father.
“Every step I took towards my dreams was met with resistance, a constant battle against the shadows of doubt and disapproval,” he admits, the sting of rejection still fresh upon his brow.
“Every mother wants the best for their children. It didn’t start great with her, but when she saw that I was passionate about football, she came around but my dad didn’t.
“My siblings were very supportive and even followed me to my games, but my dad didn’t support me. He always wanted me to focus on school or learn a trade. There were times I got flogged because I went to play a football game, but I promised myself that he’ll be proud of me for what I do.”
The Future Unfolds
After successfully trying out with Italian Serie D side, ASD Calcio Atletico Ascoli, Subair is set to join up with the club in the summer before the new season resumes, but he’s already dreaming big.
“In five years, I want to have won our national team colours by God’s grace. I see myself playing in the top leagues in Europe, and earning good money. That’s why I play football, that’s the aim,” he said.
“My parents are a huge part of my motivation. My parents aren’t at their best regarding their health, so whenever I think about them, it renews a drive in me to strive and go again and achieve. It’s a bonus to get paid for doing what you love, and I hope I get there one day. I always put it in my prayers.”
Hero
Although he plays primarily as a striker, Subair has been deployed as a winger and as an attacking midfielder several times. He claims he doesn’t model his game after just one player, but learns from everyone how to improve himself, drawing inspiration from the dedication and work ethic of his football idol, Cristiano Ronaldo. Quizzed about his football hero, the Ojodu City striker said;
“Cristiano Ronaldo has always been an idol for me and I support Manchester United. The way he plays, what he’s done in the game, and the way he works hard is worthy of emulation.”
As Subair’s journey continues to unfold, it serves as a powerful reminder that with passion, perseverance, and unwavering belief, dreams can indeed become a reality.
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