2025-10-11, 08:52 AM - Word count:
Some players relish the limelight. They seek any chance to put all eyes on them and their words and deeds.
Momo Adamu is not that kind of soccer player.
In his 13-season professional career (including 10 seasons with Tokyo) he has consistently sidestepped any and all chances that others have presented to be a prominent figure. He frequently declines requests for comment from reporters, deflecting to teammates, and is always surprised when fans and even younger footballers approach him excitedly to discuss his play. Not unlike the NBA’s Nikola Jokic, sport is a means to an end for Momo Adamu. Unlike Jokic, he’s been able to carve out a career that rarely gets remarked on.
Unsurprisingly, his play on the pitch is as unflashy as his personality. Unlike other wing backs, Adamu’s focus remains on keeping the ball away from his goalie. He will join the attack (reflected by his 15 goals and 20 assists in 264 appearances), but it’s not his preferred approach to the game. While he’s bounced around the Tokyo lineup throughout his career, filling gaps as needed, the defensive side of his game has always been the focus. Frankly, his unflashy play may mean people overlook him in favor of more high incident defenders.
And yet, believe it or not, Adamu is top 10 in several league records, including two records already, and may pick up a third before he steps off the pitch for the final time. At present, he is tied for 7th in key tackles (94), despite being barely in the top 50 for career tackles won and attempted tackles. He is also the SSL’s record holder (across all divisions) for most mistakes leading to goals (21) and just broke the league shots blocked record (133) this week. He trails longtime teammate Jude Greer by 3 blocks for the franchise and combined league record (213 to 210), as well. Isolated to just Division 1 play, he’s second in key tackles (69), tied for 3rd in mistakes leading to goals (11), and second in both blocks (147, trails Ljubica Kamenova by 3), and shots blocked (94, 1 shy of Emmanual Blackman).
Not too bad for a player panned as a reach for his high draft position in the S10 draft. Since that time, he’s done nothing but show consistent excellence and high compete level, leading his class in TPE for much of that period. What will history make of the quietest and final of the Abuja Four?
Momo Adamu is not that kind of soccer player.
In his 13-season professional career (including 10 seasons with Tokyo) he has consistently sidestepped any and all chances that others have presented to be a prominent figure. He frequently declines requests for comment from reporters, deflecting to teammates, and is always surprised when fans and even younger footballers approach him excitedly to discuss his play. Not unlike the NBA’s Nikola Jokic, sport is a means to an end for Momo Adamu. Unlike Jokic, he’s been able to carve out a career that rarely gets remarked on.
Unsurprisingly, his play on the pitch is as unflashy as his personality. Unlike other wing backs, Adamu’s focus remains on keeping the ball away from his goalie. He will join the attack (reflected by his 15 goals and 20 assists in 264 appearances), but it’s not his preferred approach to the game. While he’s bounced around the Tokyo lineup throughout his career, filling gaps as needed, the defensive side of his game has always been the focus. Frankly, his unflashy play may mean people overlook him in favor of more high incident defenders.
And yet, believe it or not, Adamu is top 10 in several league records, including two records already, and may pick up a third before he steps off the pitch for the final time. At present, he is tied for 7th in key tackles (94), despite being barely in the top 50 for career tackles won and attempted tackles. He is also the SSL’s record holder (across all divisions) for most mistakes leading to goals (21) and just broke the league shots blocked record (133) this week. He trails longtime teammate Jude Greer by 3 blocks for the franchise and combined league record (213 to 210), as well. Isolated to just Division 1 play, he’s second in key tackles (69), tied for 3rd in mistakes leading to goals (11), and second in both blocks (147, trails Ljubica Kamenova by 3), and shots blocked (94, 1 shy of Emmanual Blackman).
Not too bad for a player panned as a reach for his high draft position in the S10 draft. Since that time, he’s done nothing but show consistent excellence and high compete level, leading his class in TPE for much of that period. What will history make of the quietest and final of the Abuja Four?
==Just a crazy little guy==
