Abiola Bamijoko
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Abiola "Abi" Bamijoko | ||
| Date of birth | 14 March 2005 | ||
| Place of birth | Helsinki, Finland | ||
| Height | 1.94 m (6 ft 4 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Centre-back | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | IFK Helsinki | ||
| Number | 5 | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2022–2023 | Sampdoria U18 | ||
| 2023– | IFK Helsinki | ||
| International career | |||
| North Macedonia | |||
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Abiola "Abi" Bamijoko (born 2005) is a professional footballer who plays as a defender for Helsinki IFK and the North Macedonia national football team. Born in Finland to a Nigerian father and a mother of Macedonian and Turkish descent, Bamijoko represents a new generation of footballers with diverse heritage and global impact.[1]
Early Life and Background
Bamijoko was born in Helsinki, Finland, to a Nigerian father and a mother of Macedonian and Turkish descent. This multicultural heritage, combined with his Finnish upbringing, has given him a rich cultural background and a unique perspective on the game of football.[1]
Football Career
Bamijoko began his football career at a young age in Finland, joining a youth team at the age of 6. He was called up to the North Macedonia national team after turning 16. On May 27, 2022, he delivered an outstanding performance against Austria, securing his spot on the national team.[1]
In July 2022, he joined the Italian club Sampdoria's U18 squad. In 2023, he moved to the Finnish club Helsinki IFK.[2][3]
Technical Features
Standing at 1.94 m, Bamijoko is a formidable figure on the pitch. As a left-footed defender, he is known for his physical strength and surprising speed. His game-reading skills and technical abilities, along with his understanding of both offensive and defensive play, make him a robust and versatile player.[1]
Personal Life
Beyond football, Bamijoko is appreciated for embracing his multicultural roots, drawing from his Nigerian, Macedonian, Turkish, and Finnish heritage. His story has resonated with many young individuals from diverse backgrounds, and he has become a symbol of multicultural representation in sports.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d e "Abiola Bamijoko Player Profile". HIFK Fotboll. Retrieved 2023-07-22.
- ^ "Macedonian youth representative Abiola Bamiyoko has signed for Sampdoria". Sloboden Pecat. Retrieved 2023-07-22.
- ^ "Abiola Bamijoko Profile". Transfermarkt. Retrieved 2023-07-22.